A memorable 100th birthday

Richard Crumb, of Matawan, was born on January 17, 1924. A life-long area resident, his only time away from home was serving as a Sgt. in World War II. In 1945 he  was hoping for a birthday card, but none came. He felt a keen disappointment. His family, of course, had sent a birthday greeting, but things happened during a global war. There was a plane and fire, and some mail got burned, and that included his birthday greeting that would never get delivered.

When he came home, all this came to light, but it didn't make him feel better at the time.

 

Daughter Kim Crumb, ‘69 NRHG graduate, wanted to do something special to celebrate this centurion. To do that something special, Kim contacted Janine Strange who starred in the patriotic movie “National Anthem Girl.” Strange has sung the national anthem in all 50 states. She asked her social media audience to consider sending Richard a 100th birthday card.

Nearly 170 cards and counting were received. Each one contained touching patriotic messages. Each and every card was read.

 

“I’ve never had so much attention,” Richard said. “Nobody called me a hero before.”

Richard still resides on the Crumb family farm near Matawan which was homesteaded by his grandfather in 1878. Richard has lived there all his life.

 

Cards and messages from all over the country helped make for a very memorable birthday. Richard remains one of only about 2% of World War II veterans alive today.