When someone tells you to imagine your life at 93 years old, you probably imagine yourself living with a loved one or in a nursing home living out your days in a stress free, relaxing way.
This is how most 93-year-olds tend to live their lives as they slow down a bit, but one World War II veteran refuses to slow down!
Ernie Andrus is a 93-year-old World War II veteran who decided to set out on October of 2013 in a quest to run across the United States. It’s an incredibly feat for a person of any age, but the story of a veteran who never gave up as he made his way along the 2,500 mile long journey has inspired millions across the world.
After an incredible two years and 10 months of intense running the 93-year-old proved he could run across the United States and see the Atlantic Ocean on his own terms.
Scroll down to see the incredible story of perseverance, strength and determination of Ernie Andrus’ incredible journey from the west coast of the United States all the way to the East Coast.
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Even before he began this incredible journey, Ernie Andrus was already respected in his community for serving his country admirably during World War II. Andrus was never one to let his age slow him down as he continued to live his life to the absolute fullest.
It was at the age of 90 that Andrus knew he wasn’t finished. He knew he to had to achieve one of his dreams. That’s when he became determined and really began to plan out how he would run across the United States.
Then after months of planning, he set out on his journey beginning at San Diego and running across the entire United States by foot. No planes or vehicles for our hero!
This run was also going to be his way of raising funds for a memorial. He wanted to raise money for the LST 325 Ship Memorial.
All the way back in 2000, Andrus was one of the veterans that traveled on an old World War II ship that was painstakingly restored. The ship went from Crete back to the United States in 2000. Andrus and others working on the fundraiser hoped that the ship would be able to return to Normandy for a memorial service by the year 2019. This run was going to be his way of raising awareness for it.
As he made his way across the United States, many folks would walk with him as he passed through their towns and cities. His story had inspired them to make a small contribution.
In fact it became so common that the Facebook page that was devoted to Andrus’ incredible journey put up a waiver that people would sign if they wanted to join him on his journey for a good portion.
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It was through the hardships and difficulty of the journey that allowed Andrus’ to really feel the support of strangers and others who had supported him. His determination got him a large chunk of the way, but without the outpouring of support, this incredible journey would not have been possible.
Now after crossing the country over the past three years, Andrus has finally reached his destination!
Andrus finally reached the Atlantic Ocean at St. Simons Island in Georgia! He arrived on August 20, 2016 a single day after his 93rd birthday. Truly a special gift for one dedicated man!
After his incredible achievement, someone asked the question on everyone’s minds: what’s next for Ernie Andrus? Ernie promptly responded in front of a crowd of cheering fans and supporters
I’ll probably be running. Most likely, I’ll go out and do three miles or so just to keep in shape.
As ever, the humble man continues to be an inspiration that we can have a tenth of the determination and willpower he has at the age of 90!
It’s truly an incredible story of a man defying all expectations and inspiring thousands to walk with him across the United States.
Andrus is truly the embodiment of the old saying “age is just a number”. He managed to do things people half his age would consider a true accomplishment and even then he refuses to take a break.
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If you would like to read more about his journey or learn about the memorial he was raising funds for, please check out his website and Facebook page.
Be sure to watch the video below to see the final moments of his journey as he arrived at St. Simons Island.
Tell us what you think of this incredible journey down below in the comments!