A heartwarming photo that is being shared across social media proves that even Saint Nicholas is humbled in the presence of US veterans.

Gina Wilbur had been sitting on a bench at the Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware last week when Santa Claus was greeting kids at his workshop.

Though there were many kids who still wanted to sit on his lap, he briefly stepped away from his chair so he could walk over to 93-year-old Bob Smiley, a World War II veteran who was sitting nearby.

As Wilbur looked on in astonishment, Santa got down on one knee and earnestly thanked Smiley for his service.

"I hear Santa telling the gentleman, in a soft voice, of others he knew who served," said Wilbur in a Facebook post. "He shakes his hand with genuine gratefulness thanking him for his service and returns to the children. Best moment of my day."

Wilbur quickly snapped a photo of the heartwarming moment and posted it to social media where it was later shared thousands of times.

WTXF later managed to reunite Santa and Smiley and introduce them to Wilbur so they could discuss the emotional encounter in person.

Smiley, who has 10 children, 26 grandchildren, and over 26 great-grandchildren, says that he is always appreciative of when people thank him for his service.

"I try to show my appreciation when they do thank me," he told Fox News. "I thank them for thinking about us."

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Be Sure And Share This Heartwarming Story With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Gina Wilbur