When Burnie Sutter turned 100 years old, this World War II veteran had a one of a kind celebration. His community of Frisco, Texas came together to give Burnie Sutter a celebration of a lifetime to mark his 100th birthday. He had a 100-car parade!

Sandi Sutter Richards asked her father, “What’s it like being 100 years old? You said I’m an old…,”

The veteran jokingly replied, “Old fart.”

During his time in the war, Sutter was a machine gunner in the 358th M Company. He was one of those who landed on Utah Beach in Normandy with the 90th Infantry Division under General George S. Patton.

His fellow servicemen call him “Smiley” because of how often he smiled.

He sure had plenty of memories of the war to the younger generation. Sadly, at 100, this centenarian is starting to lose the memories of his incredible life.

His daughter shared, “I tell people who want to talk to him that I’m his memory now. He’s been my hero for a long time. Because I’ve known his story for a long time. I just think somebody has to keep the story going.”

To make sure that he had a memorable birthday, the community of Frisco came together to help Sutter keep his story going, that no one would forget how he risked his safety at some point in his life for his country. And what better way to do this than a 100- car parade!

That Saturday, Sutter sat outside of his residence, Saddle Brook Memory Care. He watched the parade that was prepared for him that included vintage vehicles, restored WWII Jeeps, and even decorated golf carts.

With all smiles, Sutter waved and saluted the vehicles as they pass by. He was with his three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as they witness this momentous event for him, sitting with them as they watch the parade.

And not only that, an airplane that was provided by the Frisco non-profit Families of WWII Veterans flew overhead with a banner that read: “Happy 100th Burnie – WWII Hero.”

Later on, the non-profit announced that they are starting an annual $2,500 scholarship in Sutter’s name. This will go to a deserving student who is heading for college.

Families of WWII Veterans founder Barbara Fasola said, “My father was a WWII veteran too. We just want to honor heroes like Burnie any way we can.”

His daughter said, “I’m just trying to keep as much of his memory alive as possible. I am just extremely proud of him, even though he’s not always in the moment anymore, but I am and our family is. I just think we need to pass that along to our children, what these people were able to do to save our freedoms that we have today.”

Through this parade, the veterans’ daughter realized that because of this, she will no longer be the only one who will remember the memories and stories of her father. Her entire community celebrated with them. She said, “I have to say I thought I was the only one tooting the horn for a long time. Now I see there are a lot of others out there.”

And for this grateful veteran, his 100th birthday was a touching one that he will never forget.