FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - A World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday Tuesday at his retirement home, a celebration that coincided with Veterans Day.

Sam Hayward was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1925 and joined the Navy at 17 years old during World War II.

His Fort Wayne retirement home, Bethlehem Woods, hosted a special celebration Tuesday to honor both his centennial birthday and his military service. Other veterans who live at the facility were also honored.

Hayward’s grandson, Garry Edwards, spoke at the celebration, describing his grandfather’s life of perseverance.

“To me, if you looked him up in the dictionary under his name, you would see the word resilience,” Edwards said.

Edwards said his grandfather overcame significant challenges throughout his life, incl

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