A Lehigh Valley resident has 103 reasons to celebrate.

A birthday party was held Thursday afternoon at Liberty Nursing and Rehab in Allentown for resident John Matthews. He turned 103-years-old.

Matthews' family said he's had a very full life. He's a World World II veteran, a Mason and a long-time civil rights activist.

Matthews spent much of his life in New York City, where he owned a business and a community center.

Matthews credits his long life to working with children.