 The president's budget proposal eliminates public media funding. Learn how you can help at lptv.org slash action. In 1917, World War I was nearing its end. Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated for a second term and the first Pulitzer Prize was awarded. That's also the year one Monago World War II veteran was born. Haiti Clotter shows us how one man has 100 reasons to celebrate. They say age is nothing but a number and for Ray No Ray Pondinen that number happens to be 100. Pondinen celebrated life as a centenarian with friends and family on Saturday at his home. Rose Haven assisted living. I don't notice any difference, 399. About 80 people mixed in mingle for this milestone. Pondinen served four years in World War II and remembers that experience like it was yesterday. I think Tinian was the last country I walked around with a helmet and a rifle. Halfway through the party, the man of the hour received recognition from the veterans of Foreign Wars post-6206 as an honorary member of the color guard. I suppose I'd be real proud. I had tears in my eyes and it just reminded me of how lucky we are that we have men like him that fight for the freedom that we so embrace. Some of Ray's favorite things to do include singing, dancing and playing golf. We golfed in the morning and went for another nine holes in the afternoon. Pondinen says growing up the ladies didn't hate him, but that all changed when he married the love of his life at 27 years old. The couple has been married for 68 years and although they never had children, there's plenty of family members. Gloria Saban and Hazel Ivey are Ray's nieces and look at their uncle as special and admire his humor. Some of their favorite memories with Uncle Ray include working at the dairy queen he owned and going to the Minnesota State Fair. Still enjoys reading the paper and watching the twins and so I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. Pondinen says his secret to living to 100 years old is luck. In Monaga, Haiti Clotter, Lake Nienuse. Although his actual birthday was last Friday, Pondinen says with everything he experienced during World War II, he is just happy to be alive. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lake Nienuse, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lake Nienuse Public Television.