There were four World War II veterans on Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight’s most recent trip to Washington, D.C.

One of them was Richard Keil who, at 100 years old, still has a lot of stories to tell.

A lot can change over a century. One hundred years ago, the White House got its first radio, Prohibition was still ongoing and cars are just starting to become popular.

Keil was also born, not knowing that in a couple decades, he’d be fighting for freedom during World War II. 

“Nice to see that helmet again,” Keil said as he was greeted on his way into the World War II Memorial.

Serving in the Army, he was discharged, but then drafted right back in to join the Army Air Corps.

“I was trained as an airplane mechanic and, following that, as an aircraft instrument candidate mechanic, sent overseas, and joined the Eighth Air Force in England,” said Keil .

It was a time of uncertainty, worry, and sometimes mistrust.

“My name being Keil was recognized as German and somebody was interested to see whether I had sabotaged the plane because they lost one engine, two engine, three engine, and only one engine brought them back home," Keil recalled. "But it wasn't too long before they found out that it was my engine that brought him home.”

It was also a time of extreme courage.

“They were brave men," he said. "Most of them came through and they got on the plane again and took off again on the next mission.”

Keil himself was involved in top secret projects, like the Aphrodite Mission, but it was those who took to the skies he keeps in mind.

“We had went through a couple pilots. Your crew doesn't always...make it home,” Keil recalled.

That bravery is what he and other veterans celebrated on this Honor Flight. 

It's a brotherhood formed through mutual respect, knowing that they wouldn’t be here sharing their stories without those represented on the wall full of stars representing the U.S.' dead, some of them friends.

“No one did it alone," Keil said. "It was a collective effort.” 

There was an immense sense of patriotism in the air.

“Sometimes you don’t feel like you’re appreciated," said Keil . "But days like this let you know that what you’ve done is appreciated.”

It was a long time ago.

“Sure did have a big impact on the world,” said Keil.

He still remembers.

“That was our last plane," Keil said pointing to an old photo of him with a plane called 'The Worry Bird.' That’s the one I flew home.”

He was in London on V.E. Day, which marked the end of the war.

“The streets were full of people," he recalled. "They were line dancing and all over the place.”

It was a celebration he’ll never forget because of what it represented.

“It's a country well worth the service that we give it and, unfortunately, we who are still here can talk like that. Those that didn't get home...we can only hope that we speak for them as well,” said Keil .

As for his advice for those hoping to hit the age of 100, Keil said don't let yourself go brain dead. He encourages people to keep up with the community and be active within it. He says feeling worthwhile helps bring you satisfaction.

Keil will celebrate his 101st birthday on June 7.