Raymond Firmani of Elsmere, Delaware, was a B-17 pilot in the 486th Heavy Bombardment Group in World War II, part of the mighty 8th Air Force.
[Ads /]
Firmani completed his tour of 25 missions over Germany, eventually winning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism.
He says he learned a lot of life lessons over the course of a century, but one piece of advice sticks out.
"I think that's the secret of longevity - friends," Firmani said. "When you get to my age, you lose all your early friends and now with new friends, I have a purpose for living. You have to have a purpose."
Firmani says another secret to life is to be upbeat.
[Ads /]
He says many people spend too much time worrying about things that they shouldn't be worried about.
The birthday celebration was held Sunday at the Delaware Military Museum.
MORE TOP STORIES: