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WWII Veteran Celebrates Her 101st Birthday by Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

Vitalia Active Adult Community-Rockside

World War II veteran Ruby Beshara hit two milestones on January 14 – turning 101 years old and getting her novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.

Beshara received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Vitalia Active Adult Community-Rockside in Seven Hills, Ohio, last week and expressed the importance of people staying safe during the ongoing pandemic.

"I'm doing what I'm supposed to do," the former staff sergeant said in a press release.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Beshara was unable to celebrate her milestone birthday with family and friends, but she was able to have an intimate, socially distanced party with other residents at her senior community.

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Beshara posed wearing a sash that said "101 & Fabulous" and sported a tiara for her big day.

Vitalia Active Adult Community-Rockside

RELATED: America's Oldest World War II Veteran Celebrates His 111th Birthday in New Orleans

"At her birthday celebration, Ruby said the most important thing in our lives to have is friends," said Vitalia-Rockside Executive Director Christie Masline. "With COVID, this really encompasses how everyone feels, and shows we're all missing those connections with family and friends."

The mother of two imparted some life wisdom after living through three years of service in WWII, several historic milestones, the death of her husband and now being isolated from her sons and "too many grands to count."

"Enjoy life as much as possible. You might live a lot longer," Beshara said.

courtesy Ruby Beshara

RELATED: U.S. Carbon Emissions Fall Most Since World War II — But Will Likely Bounce Back Quickly, Experts Warn

The veteran is set to receive her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in February with the hopes of being able to have friends and family visit more often.

Beshara also expressed hope that more people will take the vaccine so that other families have the same opportunity to reunite.

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from the CDC, WHO and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.