(SANTA ROSA, F.L.) --- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that only 5,511 World War II veterans reside in Florida, and one of them is Vincent Therrien.
The long-time Santa Rosa resident is a local hero along with many other surviving veterans from that war. The department also reports that 45,418 of the 16.4 million servicemen and women who served in World War II are still alive, while the National World War II Museum in New Orleans reports that "every day, memories of World War II are disappearing from living history."
But that is not the case in Santa Rosa, where the local board of commissioners honored Therrien with a Certificate of Recognition at the August 13 meeting.
(Photo: Santa Rosa District Commissioners give World War II Veteran Vincent Therrien a standing ovation at the August 13 meeting)
Therrien served in Okinawa, Japan, as an airplane mechanic from 1944-946. The veteran became an electrician after leaving the service. He was married for 64 years and settled down in Santa Rosa for over 40 years.
As of early 2026 the Veteran’s Affairs reported that thThe Veteran’s Affairs also reported that there are roughly 31,000 surviving World War II Veterans and that each year 14,000 pass away, an average of 44 per day.
The veteran, who celebrates his 100th birthday on September 30, could not go unrecognized, according to the elected officials, beginning with District 3 Commissioner Rhett Rowell, who said he was "honored beyond recognition to be able to do this certificate of recognition."
"The Board of County Commissioners of Santa Rosa County proudly presents this certificate to Vincent Valmore Tharian in honor of his 100th birthday," Rowell said.
Therrien’s daughter attended and said a few words, beginning with gratitude.
(Photo: Vincent Therrien, a World War II Veteran, thanks the Commissioners for awarding him a Certificate of Recognition for his service and his 100th Birthday)
"He's been a member of the community down here for several decades now, and I'd like to thank everybody here for taking the time to recognize him today," Therrien's daughter said at the podium.
District 1’s Commissioner, Bobby Burkett, also lauded the veteran for his sacrifice.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country," Burkett said. "You'll never know the gratitude that I have for you for serving like you did, Happy birthday."
Over 16.4 million servicemen and women served in World War II and are coined as the “Greatest Generation”. The average age range for a World War II Veteran is between 97-99 years old, which makes Therrien’s 100th birthday monumental.
OpGov.News would also like to take the time to thank Therrien for his service and sacrifice for America's freedoms.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please get in touch with me at james.b@lead4earth.org.
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