According to the Department of Veteran's Affairs, 16 million people served in World War II.
Today in 2016, just under seven hundred thousand WWII veterans are still alive.
For one Central Texas family, this marks a milestone birthday even more special .
On Thursday, Florencio Paul Davila, celebrated his 90th birthday. His grandson Israel Cuevas said despite his age, his memory is still as good as ever.
"He doesn't forget much his memory is sharp even on his birthday, he'll call us," Cuevas said.
So anytime Davila's family ask about his time serving, he happily shares.
"The youngest one always have questions. 'Did they shoot at you?' Yes, they shot at me but they missed," laughed Davila.
Davila joined the service when he was 17-years-old.
In 1945, his unit shipped to the Philippines. He returned to Marlin - where he was married for over 60 years, having two sons- and now several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Five generations of the family are hoping to carry on his story. That is part of the reason it was important for Sonya Guerrero, his granddaughter, to throw him a party. She wants to make sure future generations know about his service.
"For years to come when my grandson is older and in school, he'll be able to say my grandfather was in World War Two. I don't ever want to forget that . I don't my kids or my grandkids to forget that," Guerrero said.
Davila said while his time in the service was not without hardship, he is appreciative of the experience.
"Came out of the war alive no injuries, got scared sometimes...other than that, I'm alright," he said.
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