Estero World War II veteran reflects ahead of America's 250th birthday

With war comes devastation, loss and division.

And yet, in World War II veteran Bob Merchant's eyes, "It was quite an affair. A beautiful affair."

Merchant does not believe war is beautiful, and certainly not the loss of hundreds of thousands of people who did not make it home.

What Merchant believes is beautiful is what our country gained.

"The whole country was united," said Merchant. "Really, back then, it was united. The people on the homefront were just as involved as soldiers and sailors."

Most who served in World War II, including Merchant's close friends, have died.

Merchant is now 102 years old and living at American House Coconut Point.

"I just feel very fortunate, at my age, that I'm still up and walking," said Merchant. "Most people are disabled and in bed. So, I'm very fortunate that way."

Merchant just finished celebrating his birthday, and America will celebrate its 250th birthday this July.

So this year, while we reflect on our victories, Merchant hopes we get back to the spirit that carried us through. Because in his eyes, that is what millions of Americans fought to defend: our country and each other.