Marines with the Quantico Ceremonial Platoon celebrated the Corps’ 250th birthday early with 101-year-old World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient Marine Corps Pfc. John Grimes.

Jacques, Grimes’ youngest son, said the visit meant a great deal to his father, who may not live to see the Corps’ official birthday on Nov. 10, according to a service news release.

“I don’t know how much longer we’ll have him, but while he’s here, I figured … let’s make him as happy as he can be,” Jacques said, per the release.

The Marines surprised the veteran with balloons and a cake in his room at The Jefferson in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 10, and listened as Grimes talked about his time during the war and what he learned as a Marine. They also sang the Marines’ Hymn together to celebrate the birthday of the Corps.

“It’s an honor to meet, not only a WWII veteran, but one who fought as the same rank I am now,” said Pfc. Jamail Padilla, a Marine with the ceremonial platoon, according to the release. “He is proof you can make an important impact at any rank.”

Grimes enlisted in the Corps in 1943 to honor his father Thomas, who was also a Marine. Thomas died when Grimes was four years old.

After graduating boot camp, Grimes became a radio operator and fought in World War II during the Battle of Tinian in 1944. During the battle, he was injured by a mortar blast and later was awarded the Purple Heart, the release said.

In 1946, Grimes left the Corps and joined the Department of State as a diplomatic courier and later became a Foreign Service Officer. Grimes retired from diplomacy at age 55.

“Everyone says it, but when [my dad] says, ‘once a Marine, always a Marine,’ and I look at [him] … You’ll see it,” Jacques said. “He’s one of the few remaining from the greatest generation.”