We had something to celebrate today. It’s almost my dad’s 88th birthday. Dad is one of the oldest inhabitants of the village. Some local officials payed tribute to him this afternoon.
My dad is a World War II veteran, a devoted husband and caring father. Lately, my dad’s life wasn’t easy. He lost his wife, a son, his brother and many of his best friends. But he never gave up on life. Respect! Love you dad.
Update: Dad wants to thank you all. He was very happy with all your heartfelt comments on today’s post.
Should we buy him an iPad for his birthday?


Your dad must be a wonderful man, and it’s so appropriate that a tribute was given to him. He’s still enjoying each day. And smiling about it all!
Purrs for your Dad!
This is AWESOME. What a lovely way to pay tribute. Happy Birthday to your dad from Pansy and Sebastian in NYC!
What a beautiful man, and how great that we get to send our best wishes in his direction! Happy birthday, Dad!
Lisa from Ecuador
Ziet’m lachen, super!!!
Dat is er nog veel medailles mogen bijkomen…
Hij was op voorhand wat zenuwachtig maar uiteindelijk heeft hij er van genoten…
Happy almost-birthday to your lovely dad! Today’s my almost-birthday too! Tomorrow I will be, I truly forget how old. Because I’m that old. I will have to go to my gang tomorrow — they don’t do housecalls — but it’s time to celebrate.
You’re not that old Bugs! We’ll be thinking about you tomorrow…
Bowie says “Meow!”, I guess it means “Happy BIrthday!”
Bon anniversaire!
Happy birthday to your dad! The photo is wonderful.
I love this photo!
Such a lovely celebration to honor your Dad…..I love his smile – a life well lived is its own reward but how lovely that the village recognizes him on the occasion of passing yet another year there. Wonderful.
Pam
Appreciate this Pam, thank you.
Those humans are wearing the funniest coats I’ve ever seen – but it’s in a very good cause
Ha ha ha … You’re right Bob, you won’t see me in in a coat like that. But it’s all about local folklore and tradition.
Your dad looks so happy, what a cute guy. I’m sorry to hear he’s had a rough time lately, thankfully you are together to support each other. Very heartwarming here today Herman, as you know I also was very close to my dad. I want to say to him, thank you for your selfless sacrifice and service in WWII and Gelukkige verjaardag.
Thank you Boomdee, dank u wel!
Happy birthday to your dad. What’s with all the fancy (and unusual) outfits? Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
The outfits look rather funny, I know, but it’s all about local folklore. You won’t see me walking around like that…
Hi. I just turned 21 myself. Congratulations from one old man to another.
Welcome on HoB my friend, thanks for following!
Happy Birthday to another old man…
Happy Birthday to your Dad! It’s wonderful that local officials recognized his contributions and helped celebrate his special day. 88 sounds like a lovely age…I hope he finds fun ways to enjoy each day of his 88th year!
Happy Birthday to you, wonderful grandfather of Bowie, father of Herman! Your face reflects the love you receive, and share… We thank you for letting us travel the journey with you. And yes, you should have an iPad to keep up with your son and Mr. Bowie!
what a nice post!
heartfelt good wishes to your dad; he is an example to all of us!
Your picture of your Dad is just fabulous! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to your dad. And, for the local leaders to bestow honors, that’s very nice. Definitely a very good day.
What a special man – so many sad things but he has a support group that many would relish. Happy Birthday Dad and the answer is YES.
Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met uw verjaardag, meneer!! Much admiration and respect for your father, Herman—may he have many healthy, happy years to come!
Your Dutch is perfect my dear Madame W.
Thank you very much!
Congratulations to Dad!
Every good wish to your father for his birthday. And I am sure he would love an iPad for his birthday. And a nice cake too, please.
Happy Birthday from a fan in Australia. Definitely buy him an Ipad for his birthday and have some cake for me. XX
Here’s a birthday wish all the way from Denver, Colorado… happy birthday to your dad!
aaaaaaaaaw how wonderful! Happy birthday to you dad. It must be so hard to have had so many losses. Good thing he has you and your sister. And Mr. Bowie, of course!
Who are those people in the picture with the birthday boy? Nice!
A bit late, but: Happy birthday to your father! He looks like a happy and wise man.
Die update, prachtig, hoe komt ge toch altijd op die ideëen!
Baasje was wel buiten op straat moeten gaan staan om een verbinding te maken met internet. De Ba was onder de indruk van al die internationale commentaren…
Happy Birthday to Him. He seems very nice man, so proud of for you all. Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
Congratulations and many happy returns to your Dad!
This is precious and powerful. I love that he is the oldest in the village. Who gets to use the word “village” any more?
Great photos. Much happiness to your Dad.
Congratulations to your dad, and glad the village recognized him!
Meow birthday Dad purrrrrrr xxxxx Big furry hugs from UK Moggies
We think your dad looks awesome and he’s obviously ready to celebrate! What a joy for your human to be able to enjoy all those years with him. Mr. Bowie, will there be catnip in the cake??? Be sure to wish him a very happy birthday and many more…..with many more cakes!
Thank you very much my friends. I love the catnip idea…
Late to the party, but an absolute yes to getting Dad an i-Pad for his birthday. Happy birthday to your father and here’s to many more.
Happy birthday to your dad and a huge cyber hug!