World War II, which started on September 1, 1939, finally ended six years later on September 2, 1945. During that time, roughly one million men and women serving in the military lost their lives. Today, historians estimate that out of the 10 million who served, less than 400,000 are still alive today.
Since you had to be at least 18 years old to be in the military during WWII, the individuals still with use are well into their 90s and up. While a lot of them are now in retirement homes, others seem to defy age. Thatโs the story of one man named Chuck Franzke.
Dancing to the music
Even at a young age, Chuck loved to dance. But now at the age of 97, that hasnโt changed. This WWII veteran still has a lot of life to live and he proved it in a video thatโs gone viral. Viewed more than 100,000 times on different YouTube channels, heโs captured the hearts of people everywhere.
Holiday spirit
This past Christmas, Chuck wanted to celebrate his birthday in style. So, with the song โLet It Snowโ playing in the background, he shows off a little bit of his fancy footwork. At one point, he changes into denim shorts and a red shirt and continues to boogie away but this time to Jingle Bells.
A beautiful wife
Along with dancing, Chuck is married to his loving wife, Beverly. After the video of his Christmas dance hit the internet, she said it was his best yet.
More to the story
But thereโs another dance story about this Navy veteran. When a longtime friend came to visit him at his home in Milwaukee, she captured something spectacular. And in true style, he came to the door dancing away to Justin Timberlakeโs โCanโt Stop the Feeling.โ
Heโs got some moves
Chuck continues dancing as he makes his way toward the American flag hanging outside. As he explains it, โI just canโt sit still with all that nice music.โ And many people agree he has good taste in what he listens to.
No planning
He goes on to say that he never plans any of his dance moves. Instead, once he hears the music, his brain takes over, telling his body to move. While talking to his friend inside his house, he didnโt stay seated for long. As soon as an oldie came on, he was up and out of his chair.
So, whoโs filming?
Nopeโฆitโs not his wife, Beverly but a woman he met through the Stars and Stripes Honor Flag program. She tells viewers that sheโs been filming him for a long time and while he pretends that sheโs forcing him, heโs very much a ham who dances without prompting.
Full of life
Along with all his cool dance videos, especially the one of him moving to โCanโt stop the feeling,โ he stays active with other things. While in his mid-90โs, he was busy tubing on the water with family and friends.
Accidental to enjoyable
The first video taken of Chuck dancing was by accident. But with so many people leaving positive comments, he was eager to do more. And for many years, thatโs whatโs heโs done. What started out as an accident turned into something bigger than expected.
Viewers love him
In response to his videos, Chuckโs received a lot of support and encouragement. One poster had this to say, โThe greatest generation! Everyone is so blessed to have him still with us!โ Another person wrote, โIโm crying happy tears for this Veteran. I pray you dance for many more birthdays.โ
But there was one person who Chuck didnโt expect would comment. After seeing his โCanโt Stop the Feelingโ video, Justin Timberlake said he loved it. Thatโs right, Justin himself saw Chuck dancing and thought it was fantastic.
With so many people in quarantine, some need a little boost. If youโre looking for a video thatโll make you feel good, this is it.
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