LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WFLA) – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office escorted Sgt. John Skeen to the Elks Lodge in Lakewood Ranch on Thursday, where he was set to receive a special honor.

A room packed with people welcomed him with applause on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Members of the French Consulate were in town to present the 106-year-old World War II veteran with the Knight of the Legion of Honor for his contribution to the liberation of France. It is the highest decoration of the French Republic.

“I never expected anything like this. I’m finding out that life is full of surprises and this is one of them to be honored in such a fashion,” said Sgt. Skeen.

Skeen said as the program was ongoing on Thursday, he couldn’t help but think of all of his platoon members no longer here, who were worthy of this recognition.

Those who know the platoon sergeant said the highly decorated veteran is incredibly humble about his service and is well-deserving of all of the accolades.

“It is an honor for a brother veteran, a brother in arms/soldier; what he did, taught us what we did in our military, that we are what we are today,” said Captain Thomas J. Carter.

The 106-year-old is one of less than 5,000 living WWII veterans in Florida.