95-year-old World War II veteran begins 2nd cross-country journey on foot

Stock photo of runners.

Credit: skeeze / Pixabay.com

Credit: skeeze / Pixabay.com

Stock photo of runners.

For the second time in less than a decade, a 95-year-old World War II veteran is crossing the country on foot.

>> Need something to lift your spirits? Read more uplifting news

According to WTOC-TV, Ernest Andrus started his run from St. Simons Island, Georgia, to San Diego in March, less than three years after he completed the same trip in reverse.

>> See a photo of Andrus here

The California man hopes to travel through every state during his journey, a fundraiser for the LST 325 Ship Memorial, according to CNN and Andrus' website.

>> Read more trending news

"The LST 325 is a World War II era ship used to land equipment and troops on hostile shores," he wrote on his website. "I was one of the crew that brought the ship back from the Isle of Crete, Greece, to the U.S. in 2000/2001, as aired on the History Chanel."

He added: "My dream is to take the ship back to Normandy for a D-Day Memorial. I didn't raise near enough money on my first run, so I'm trying again."

>> See another photo of Andrus here

The former Navy Corpsman plans to complete the trip in five years, when he is 100. The previous trek, which stretched over 2,600 miles, took nearly three years, his website said.

He is currently outside Monticello, Florida, according to his Facebook page.

Read more here or here.

About the Author