WWII Vet Turns 100 on Veterans Day

It’s hard to imagine a 100th birthday celebration being more festive. Surrounded by family members, World War II veteran, Phil Thomas, said being with his family was the highlight of his 100th birthday, which fell on Veterans Day, November 11, at Tuscany Villa in East Naples.

“There’s over 50 people here,” Thomas said proudly. "All relatives of some breed,” he chuckled. "I’ve got 30 great-grandchildren.”

At one point, his family lined up to give their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather a personal birthday wish.

 “It's fantastic,” Thomas said, scanning the room filled with his relatives. "They’re great. I’m real proud of ‘em. They’re all going their own way and doing well. That’s all I want.”

Thomas said he almost didn’t make it to be 100 after being hospitalized recently.

"I was in the hospital,” he said. "My blood pressure was going crazy, then my heart decided to go along with it. They managed to kick start ‘em one way or another."

Thomas said his centennial birthday was one he didn’t know if he’d live to enjoy.

"I don’t know if I ever thought I’d be 100,” Thomas mused. "It’s quite different.” Thomas then looked around the room, watching his family enjoying the celebration. "Look at this!” he said.

Thomas was doubly blessed to spend his 100th birthday in the company of his wife Jean, with whom he celebrated 79 years of marriage back in July. They were married on July 29, 1943.

Thomas knows for sure what the highlight of his 100th birthday was. "Right now,” he said, smiling, as he soaked in the love of his family.