Simon Gurdal was just 17 when he joined Belgium’s military forces to fight alongside the Allies during World War II, risking his life in the fight for freedom.
More than eight decades later, the North Carolina veteran celebrated a remarkable milestone as he turned 100.
Surrounded by family and friends, some of whom traveled from Belgium to attend the celebration at the Elks Lodge in Hendersonville, Gurdal was treated to a heartwarming display of affection, including a wall of birthday letters from his grandchildren.
Photos of Gurdal as a young soldier were also displayed throughout the venue, offering a glimpse into his remarkable past and reminding him of the extraordinary journey that brought him to his 100th birthday.
World War II Veteran at the National World War II Memorial on September 02, 2026Finn Gomez/Getty Images
Representatives from Blue Ridge Honor Flight, an organization that arranges trips for veterans to visit memorials and landmarks honoring their military service, also joined the celebration.
The organization previously flew Gurdal to Washington, D.C., on April 18, 2026, as part of its Blue Ridge Honor Flight program.
The remarkable milestone seemed to surprise even the war veteran himself, who joked, “I’m still here. I’m 99—no, I’m 100!” when asked if he was used to being 100.
His family members were equally delighted by the occasion, with his nephew, Bernard Bleus, expressing his amazement at Gurdal reaching the century mark: “My reaction is fantastic. I mean, 100 years. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable.”
Gurdal’s friend and neighbor, Connor Ruben, also offered a lighthearted take on the centenarian’s secret to longevity.
Happy birthday! ? World War II veteran Simon Gurdal celebrated his 100th birthday in Hendersonville! ? t.co/OgqyzIYIjb pic.twitter.com/nOzVySYPqb
— WLOS (@WLOS_13) November 9, 2026“He doesn’t drink water. He just drinks scotch and soda. Not all the time, but I think that might help a little bit,” he shared.
100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Simon Gurdal Recalls Fighting With Belgium’s Brigade Piron
While celebrating his 100th birthday, Gurdal also reflected on the painful memories of war, including his injuries and the fellow soldiers and childhood friends who never made it home.
Born on November 8, 1926, in Verviers, Belgium, Gurdal was still a teenager when he served with the Brigade Piron during World War II, fighting alongside Allied forces in the European theater.
The Brigade Piron, commanded by Colonel Jean-Baptiste Piron, had approximately 2,200 members by the end of July 1944. The Belgian-led military unit participated in the Allied campaign in Normandy and later helped liberate Belgium and the Netherlands.
Recalling a particularly painful wartime experience, Gurdal told News 13, “On my way back, a German sniper shot me with his machine gun. I got a bullet in my hand and a bullet in my foot.”
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