NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A World War II veteran will officially become a centenarian this weekend. Roger Desjardins' 100th birthday is on Saturday, but he celebrated two days early surrounded by family and friends at the North Providence Mancini Center. "I'm going to be 100 years old and I still have all of my hair," he exclaimed proudly as he took of his hat to prove it. Desjardins, who grew up in Cumberland and later moved to North Providence, served as a machine gunner in the U.S. Army and was one of fewer than a million soldiers to see combat. "Don’t tell me to go to hell because I’ve been there," Desjardins previously told 12 News. Desjardins remembers seeing his life flash before his eyes while he was hunkered down in a foxhole. "The next shell landed right outside the foxhole," he continued. "It blew me over and dazed me. It blew both my ear drums out." Desjardins was honorably discharged from the Army and went on to be a pipe fitter and plumber in North Providence. "I've had my ups and downs, but I'm still standing here," Desjardins said. Even though he's been retired for nearly four decades, Desjardins still keeps active by taking karate lessons and exercising every day. He even showed off some of his karate moves with his cane during the celebration. "I'm just happy to be here," Desjardins said. "I try to keep out of trouble." North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi, whom Desjardins has known for years, was the one who made the celebration possible. Desjardins made sure to thank him for his efforts, noting that if Lombardi hadn't thrown him a party, he would "probably just be at home sitting in a chair." Gov. Dan McKee even swung by to wish Desjardins a happy birthday, though he was jokingly caught off guard upon learning that he wouldn't be officially turning 100 until Saturday. "What am I doing here today then if your birthday is Saturday?" McKee asked with a laugh. "The center was closed on Saturdays," Desjardins explained. "I promise I won't take any poison. I'm going to live." Other notable attendees included R.I. Office of Veteran Services Director Kasim Yarn, former R.I. National Guard Adjutant General Reginald Centracchio, R.I. Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Thomas Hannon and R.I. Honor Flight Chairman George Farrell. McKee presented Desjardins with a certificate of special recognition for his service, while Centracchio and Hannon each gifted him command coins. Though he's thankful for the gifts, he admitted that there's only one thing he really wants. "All I want for my birthday is to live another year," he shouted after blowing out the candles on his patriotic-themed cake. Johnny Villella contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW