VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Recognizes Florida’s Oldest Living WWII Veteran’s 109th Birthday

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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody today recognized Florida's oldest living World War II veteran's 109^th birthday with a special address on the Senate Floor. Senator Moody honored the service of Duane Brewton, of Cantonment, Florida. From 1944 to 1945, Mr. Brewton served as a Private in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vire, France where he was wounded in the line of duty and later returned home. Mr. Brewton received a Purple Heart for his service.

Excerpts from Senator Moody's remarks:

"As the proud granddaughter of a World War II Army veteran, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Duane Brewton of Cantonment, Florida, on the extraordinary occasion of his 109th birthday celebrated on February 5th, 2026. Mr. Brewton is Florida's oldest living World War II veteran and among the oldest surviving veterans of the Second World War in the United States. He is a proud member of what history rightly calls the Greatest Generation. Ordinary Americans who answered the call, did extraordinary things and helped save the world. They did not do it for recognition. They did not ask for praise. They simply did their duty. Honoring their service while they are still with us is both a privilege and a responsibility…

"Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Mr. Brewton returned home after the war. He raised a family and devoted his life to faith, service and community…Through his life, he set a shining example before his children, his family, all who knew him and to us of what it means to honor God and country. May we all strive to live with the same humility, discipline, and integrity that he has shown for more than a century-109 years to be exact."

Florida is home to more than 1.4 million veterans, one of the largest populations in the nation. Florida is also home to the second-largest number of living World War II veterans.

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