A U.S. Army Veteran celebrated a major milestone Sunday afternoon. 

Wilson "Pete" Carlisle celebrated his 100th birthday, surrounded by family and friends at the New Bedford Presbyterian Church in New Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Carlisle was born August 4, 1924 in New Bedford, and signed up for the Army in 1943. 

Carlisle was set to go to Europe after going to boot camp in New York, but was re-directed to Hawaii due to lost paperwork. 

Carlisle married his wife Elizabeth Brown while he was still at boot camp, and were married 58 years until her passing in 2001. 

Together, they had two sons that they raised together at their home in New Bedford. 

Carlisle says that it's a shock to him that he's made it to his 100th birthday. 

"As a kid, you never dream of this, and everyday that goes bye...I can't believe it. I never dreamed of this moment," said Carlisle. 

Carlisle's friends and family from all across the country traveled to Pennsylvania to be there for his birthday, with about 100 guests showing up to wish him happy birthday. 

Carlisle says that a key to a long and happy life is actually quite simple. 

"Love everyone, be nice to everyone, don't be mean," said Carlisle.