A Veterans Day ceremony in East Islip Monday paid special tribute to a 100-year-old World War II veteran from Long Island.

Frank Soliwoda was presented with a citation for his Army service from the New York State Assembly. Only 10 percent of veterans living on Long Island served during World War II, and Soliwoda is among the oldest of them.

Soliwoda say his tour of service brought him to Europe and that he was awarded the Bronze Star. His daughter, Patricia O'Neill, says it was touching to see her father honored.

Soliwoda's 101st birthday is coming up on Nov. 30. As for making it past 100 years old, he says the secret is doing "everything my mother told me not to do."

While Soliwoda was happy to be recognized, he stressed the importance of also honoring his fellow veterans.

Of the roughly 16 million Americans who served during World War II, fewer than 500,000 of them are still alive.

The National World War II Museum says 348 veterans of the conflict die daily.