ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Joe Shomo has seen it all ever since Calvin Coolidge began his presidency in 1923.
Shomo, a World War II veteran who lives in St. Augustine, was honored Tuesday, as St. Johns County hosted a ceremony in celebration of his 101st birthday, which was on Aug. 21.
Shomo served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was based in Hayange, France. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 9, 1946, nearly half a year after the conclusion of the world war.
The ceremony for Shomo began at 8 a.m. with him being driven in a World War II-era Jeep to the entrance of the St. Johns County Administration Building; he was escorted by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Next, Shomo was brought into the rotunda part of the building, where he was greeted by family, friends, fellow residents and officials who gave special thanks and recognized him for his dedication to serving the country. St. Augustine High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets also were present to honor Shomo.
Following the ceremony, Shomo was presented with a 'Certificate of Recognition' during a Board of County Commissioners' meeting to cap off an unforgettable experience.
After Shomo's service in the military ended, officials said during the ceremony that Shomo re-entered college and graduated with several degrees, including a bachelor's in business education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
When First Coast News asked Shomo what the secret was to making it to age 101, he said: "Roll with the punches, realize you're not able to do some things like you would do during when you were younger, and you just have to accept the fact that you're less efficient than your operation, but you can enjoy it just as much."