Bill Paty, 82, was excited to be back at Fort Shafter, recalling the base in high action during World War II.

"I can remember coming here as a (young man) and seeing all the search lights; it was incredible," said the retired Army captain and member of the 101st Airborne who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

Paty, along with hundreds of soldiers and other spectators, gathered yesterday near the grass field at Palm Circle as the nation's 50 state flags blew in the background for ceremonies celebrating Fort Shafter's 100th birthday.

The ceremonies included the unveiling of a centennial plaque and the debut of a time capsule intended to be reopened 100 years from now, in June 2107.

"It's about yesterday, it's about today and it's about tomorrow," said Lt. Gen. John Brown III. "The Army of the Pacific is looking forward ... and it will be a relevant part that deploys across this huge theater."

Brown said that 12,634 Pacific-based Army soldiers are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and that he is proud of each one — noting in particular those who gave their lives.

"I'm thrilled and proud and absolutely confident (that future Army soldiers will) carry on our legacy," said Brown.

Brown and additional guests of honor, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, thanked the soldiers at home and overseas for their continued strength and courage, as well as their families and the citizens of Hawai'i for their love and support.

"I know 100 years is a long time," said Aiona. "It's not only about celebrating the location, the institution, but about the people ... the heart and soul of what makes up the location."

Keating went on to describe the Army soldier and the importance of Fort Shafter and what it represents not only to the rest of the United States, but the world.

"Our nation (is) the last best hope of freedom on Earth," said Keating. "God bless the soldiers of Fort Shafter and the Pacific."

The speeches were followed by the dedication of the plaque and the time capsule containing letters, photos, Army commemoration coins, a uniform, a calendar and a Fort Shafter bro-chure.

A huge white cake also celebrated the Army's 232nd birthday.