SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — For longtime Rhode Island resident and World War II veteran Maury Boulais, this Friday was meaningful for a number of reasons.

Boulais celebrated his 100th birthday at Smithfield Woods Senior Living, surrounded by friends and family — on the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings.

“He’s the best father, he’s a gentle man," said Suzanne Andrews, Boulais' daughter. "He’s just a fantastic dad.”

A veteran of the Atlantic Theater during World War II, Boulais was stationed in Trinidad for nearly two years, where he served on an anti-submarine aircraft.

When Boulais enlisted, there was no uncertainty when it came to the outcome of the war.

“I think we were overwhelmingly confident that we would win," he said. "We never had any doubt about it. The way the country gea

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