CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) — 100-year-old WWII veteran Raymond Pavesic says veterans deserve all the praise this Veterans Day and every day.

“I think the veterans should be honored for what they’ve done for this country and for the people of it,” Pavesic said. “They need more recognition. Help the veterans out, give them all the care they need. They deserve it.”

Pavesic was drafted at age 22. He said he was shocked by the announcement and had two weeks to prepare for war. He said he worked in a medical supply depot while stationed in Italy.

“My parents thought this was the greatest country in the world and that it was worth fighting for,” Pavesic said.

A country worth fighting for — even during an unpredictable year like 2020. Pavesic said voting this year was significant.

“I just hope the country comes together. I hope these people get a little sense in their heads and do something good for the country instead of tearing each other apart. Get together and compromise…Come together and agree a little bit, not just for the party but for the country.”

Raymond Pavesic

Pavesic said his time as a soldier wasn’t always pleasant, but he learned a lot.