A 102-year-old veteran just made his big screen debut in a new Christmas movie that celebrates not only members of the military and veterans, but also the sacrifices they and their families make for us to live in a free country.
Karen Kingsbury's "The Christmas Ring," based on her novel by the same name, debuted in theaters on November 6th, and it is more than just a feel-good movie about the holiday, as it takes a unique look at a Gold Star Family during the holidays and the real reason for the season, the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
The movie centers around military widow Vanessa Mayfield (Jana Kramer), who has been searching for years for her lost family Christmas heirloom, a ring her great-grandfather found when he landed in France on D-Day. While searching from one antique store to another, she meets antique dealer Ben Miller (Benjamin Hollingsworth), of Miller's Antiques. A quick description on IMDb about the movie reads:
A military widow falls in love while searching for her lost family heirloom.
At one point in the movie, Vanessa is planning for her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance. The dance scene is very moving and includes Vanessa calling on those in the room to stand so they can honor them for their service and sacrifice.
Kingsbury and director Tyler Russel decided to invite real-life members of the military and veterans to fill in as extras for the dance.
Here's a smidge of a behind-the-scenes clip that aired before the movie about it: (3:11 minute mark)
Behind the scenes of #TheChristmasRing! 🎬✨ Only in theatres starting THURSDAY! Get your tickets now 🎟️: https://t.co/OjjlNPjPo0 pic.twitter.com/oeZ4vi20km
— Karen Kingsbury (@KarenKingsbury) November 3, 2025
"Now, in the Christmas Ring, we decided early on, since we were going to need about a hundred background actors who were military, that we would ask real military, retired and active, to come and join us on set to wear their own uniforms," Kingsbury explained. "So, we have a hundred actual military members in the Christmas ring."
Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Kingsbury expanded on one extra who became everyone’s favorite, James Daniels, 102, a World War II veteran. (1:17 minute mark)
"They've given up so much for us, and work for very little money, and as we were looking at casting, we said maybe we can give a little back," Kingsbury said. "And honor them in a different way. And the way we thought was to put a call out to the readers and just see if some actual military, retired or active, would be willing to join us on set as background actors."
"And the response was overwhelming," she added, before they talked about one service member who showed up, Daniels. "From the day of filming, when James Daniels came in, I mean, you would've thought it was President [Donald] Trump, or it might've been Brad Pitt. All these military guys, men and women, lined up, tears in their eyes, and they wanted to shake James Daniels' hand."
In the movie, Daniels even has his own on-screen interaction with Vanessa, who thanks him for being there and his service.
In addition, "The Christmas Ring" movie even partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation to help provide more support for veterans.
"Donating ad space to the Gary Sinise Foundation was a privilege, as I can only hope that more people come to know and support this life-changing organization," Kingsbury exclusively tells PEOPLE. "By putting information about the GSF in front of moviegoers who see The Christmas Ring, we will expose millions more people to the work the Gary Sinise Foundation is doing. I'm so excited to see many more veterans helped through this partnership."
ALSO: Gary Sinise Gets Emotional, Reveals Why This Year's Memorial Day Tribute Is the Most Personal Yet
I got the chance to see this movie, and it is pretty special how it really remembers our military and their families. But you don't have to take my word for it.
One moviegoer we spoke to said this about the film:
The Christmas Ring was such a heartwarming movie. It really showed the sacrifices our military families make for our country. I found it uplifting and inspiring, and it put a human face on the struggles, fears, heartbreak, and joy they live with every day.
Another person who loves Kingsbury books said that for her, the movie was a "magical story of the way God works wonders in our lives to bring people together."
"This story touched me greatly as it shows the beauty of those who serve our country and how it affects their loved ones. It warmed my heart to see actual service men and women in uniform cast in the film. This film was an inspirational work that launched laughter, tears, and cheers. "
"The Christmas Ring" is out in select theaters now.
Thank you to all the veterans!
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