Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who saved 669 children during the Second World War, turned 105 just last week but his birthday present will be an even bigger honour.
Winton, who travelled to Prague during the War to investigate how the refugees were being treated, will be honoured by the Czech Republic with their highest honour, the Order of the White Lion.
According to the Huffington Post, Czech President Milos Zeman noted Winton’s example of humanity, selflessness, personal bravery and modesty as reasons for the prestigious honour. Winton will receive the award this October.
Although Winton had no previous experience in charity work or was not a public figure, he began to create posters for foster homes for children, somehow managing to sideline the German red tape.
The Huffington Post reports that his charity work went largely unnoticed until 1988 when he was reunited with some of the survivors. There are 6,000 people around the world who owe their lives to Winton, according to the Guardian.
Winton celebrated his birthday with 100 guests, some of which were the children of those he had saved.
The below video from BBC features Winton the first time he met some of the survivors.
