A Stratford veteran celebrated a major milestone birthday Saturday.

Ross Grahn is 100 years old.

Grahn was born in Toronto, Canada and then moved to the United States.

At 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served as Seaman First Class for two and half years.

Grahn is also a D-Day veteran and was on Normandy beach during the battle.

Once he returned home, Grahn worked for a sign company, followed by a factory that made abrasion wheels for over 37 years.

"Well, it's just amazing that you can live to be 100. That's the thing, that's what I say--What's the secret? I don't know what the secret is, but I'm still here. My legacy is serving in the country, and my kids became the same way. We've all served in our own way," he said.

Grahn is the father of one son and two daughters.

His son and youngest daughter followed in their father's footsteps and both were in the Navy for over 20 years.

His eldest daughter became a teacher for military children.