WWII Veteran takes on 35-mile march to honor those who have served

In a stiff Dakota prairie wind, biting cold, Tom Selleys still had that boot camp step of young army recruit.

TOM SELLEYSWorld War Two Veteran: “Basic training at that age is a snap and this isn't bad.”

He is marching down Highway 81 south out of Fargo, the American flag snapping in the wind.

“I am doing fine.”

86-year old Tom Selleys with strength and determination made the walk.

“Something I wanted to do.”

He joined the army in 1940. He grinned when we asked him how old he was then. If you do the math, Tom was likely 16 when he headed off to war. Today, the old solider still has the pride and punch of an infantryman.

“Well, it gives us time to think and we think of our buddies we lost.”

Tom lost an eye fighting in the Pacific. A disabled veteran, he now volunteers at the VA in Fargo. A man we give many thanks to spends his day giving back to others who have served.

“It is very soul satisfying, makes you think of other people.”

One veteran, on a day reserved for him, taking the long walk in gratitude to those who no longer can.

“We learn to appreciate what we got.”

The wind got so strong today, Tom marched until he could no longer hold the flag. He marked his spot, and will finish later this week.

Tags: reporter stories, kevin wallevand, veterans day, fort abercrombie, veteran, military, fargo, selleys, march