1/22/2021
Governor Ron DeSantis joined 100-year-old WWII veteran
Henry Sayler as he received vaccine
Governor Ron DeSantis joined decorated World War II veteran and centenarian Henry Sayler to witness Sayler receiving his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This moment commemorates Florida nearing 1 million seniors vaccinated in the state. Florida is reaching a milestone as we work to rapidly deploy vaccines to seniors,
said Governor DeSantis. “Our successful
Seniors First strategy in Florida has allowed us to target this key population and narrow in on 1 million people 65 and older vaccinated – the first state in the nation to do so. It was an honor to witness Henry Sayler receive his first dose of the vaccine today.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis created some confusion on Friday when he declared that the coronavirus vaccination of a 100-year-old World War II veteran marked the 1 millionth senior to receive a shot in the Sunshine State.
St. Petersburg resident who has lived an impressive life. “I never imagined I’d see 100 years,” Sayler said. “That thought never crossed my mind.” But Sayler was quick to add that luck plays a role in the length of a person’s life. “I could have been killed on D-Day,” he said. So, judge a person by how they live their years, Sayler said, and not the number of years they live. On his birthday, his family held a celebration they said was fitting of Sayler’s stature. The first of two parades was held outside his home. Neighbors drove by and honked or walked by and screamed “Happy Birthday” as Sayler waved from his porch.