That's quite sad, I presume there wasn't necessarily a corporate policy re: this? Maybe it was a local manager or shift leader who took it upon himself to put together a little present after noticing it was another work anniversary for this guy? Does anyone know? (In which case it's still a nice gesture).
It could be nice to have a big reward for that sort of length of service - like hit 30 years get a 6-month sabbatical etc. or a cash reward, a proper thank you/certificate recognised by the company and a more substantial gift paid for by the company. Employers can be bad with this stuff even when it's officially recognised though, just some admin person looking after the process etc..
I remember my Dad had a similar disappinting situation, he got some little badge/certificate delivered to him and an award from the NHS for like 25 years service, he contacted the admin office and was like "thanks very much but I've been with the NHS for 40+ years now"...
Also while the employer should be congratulating this guy for his time with them I'm not sure I like the emphasis on never missing a shift. This idea that it's a good thing to never call in sick/never miss a shift needs to be knocked on the head, you really shouldn't turn up to work when you're infected with something, especially post Covid.