A Texas military veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War had a very memorable 101st birthday party earlier this month.
Harry Perez Cerezo marked the milestone on Jan. 5 at the El PasoHooterslocation.
“It was our honor to celebrate Harry’s 101st Birthday!” the restaurantwrote on social mediaalongside several smiling shots of Cerezo from his bash.“Harry spent 22 years serving his country and is a Purple Heart recipient and World War II and Korean War Veteran! Everyone go wish Harry a Happy Birthday.”
It was Cerezo’s niece, Josie Ramirez, and her husband who brought Cerezo to Hooters,Fox Newsreported. According to Ramirez, her uncle joked that he wanted to celebrate his birthday at a restaurant where there were beautiful women.
“He enjoyed and he just loved it. [The staff] came and took pictures with him,” Ramirez said. “The whole atmosphere — everybody was very, very friendly.”
According to the outlet, Cerezo’s family, as well as his friends and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars nonprofit, were at the party. In addition to a birthday cake, Cerezo received a signed Hooters hat.
“He had such a smile on his face,” Ramirez said of her uncle, per Fox News.
Ramirez said that Cerezo, who hails from Puerto Rico, joined the U.S. Army as a teenager. Serving in World War II, he was shot in the back in Japan and later received a Purple Heart. He also served in the Koran War.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
After spending 22 years in the military, Cerzo worked for the U.S. Postal Service in North Carolina, Fox News reported.
Meanwhile, Hooters' post about the special occasion ignited a litany of birthday greetings for Cerzo.
“HAPPY Birthday! Thank you for your service!” wrote one user onFacebook. Anotherposted, “Happy Birthday to the best generation!”
“Hooters made Harry Happy!!!” a user shared onInstagram.
source: people.com
