LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A party at Audubon Park Friday night celebrated a 100-year-old Louisville man's birthday.
Friends and family threw World War II veteran Arthur Wissing an ice cream social to celebrate.
The Honor Guard was on hand to sing the "Star Spangled Banner," and a proclamation was read on behalf of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear honoring Wissing.
Neighbors from all over Louisville sent birthday cards to celebrate the special birthday.
"It's going to take me a year to read all the cards sent to me," Wissing said.
The Louisville native was born and raised in the city's Germantown neighborhood and graduated from St. X in 1942.
At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was a nose gunner on a four-engine bomber. He completed 38 missions over Germany.
Once he came home, Wissing got into the grocery business and married his childhood sweetheart. Together, they had five children and now have 15 grandkids and 35 great-grandchildren.
With a century's worth of experience, he has simple advice for those who listen.
"Live today and look in the mirror in the morning and say 'Thank you, God,'" he said. "Thank you for what you did for me."
Friday's ice cream social wasn't the only celebration for the veteran. Friends put 100 American flags outside his home to celebrate him and his service.
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