HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNow.com) — A World War II veteran who lives in Hendersonville is turning 100 years old this weekend.

Simon Gurdal is turning 100 on Nov. 8, and a birthday celebration is scheduled to honor him. Blue Ridge Honor Flight made the announcement about Gurdal’s birthday, asking the community to join in the celebration.

World War II veteran Simon Gurdal sits with his guardian Connor Ruben on the April Blue Ridge Honor Flight.
Photo by Blue Ridge Honor Flight
World War II veteran Simon Gurdal visits a war memorial in Washington, D.C., during the Blue Ridge Honor Flight.
Photo by Blue Ridge Honor Flight

Blue Ridge Honor Flight, co-founded by Hendersonville’s Jeff Miller, flies veterans to Washington, D.C., twice a year to see the war memorials. On the April 18 flight this year, Gurdal was aboard and honored at all the places the group went that day.

Blue Ridge Honor Flight said that Gurdal joined the Belgian Army when he was 17 years old. He served with the Brigade Piron during World War II and fought alongside Allied forces.

Gurdal’s birthday celebration will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Elks Lodge in Hendersonville at 546 N. Justice St.