Tony Zukas, a 102-year-old veteran and Haverhill resident, was celebrated at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day parade. (Courtesy photograph)
The City of Haverhill honored all veterans at Sunday’s annual holiday parade, but there was one special former member of the armed forces to receive top honors: 102-year-old Army vet Anthony “Tony” Zukas.
A resident of Amesbury Road’s Haverhill Crossings assisted living home, Zukas was heralded decades after he spent two years living in a tent during the 1930s, tasked with protecting the Panama Canal. The oldest of 14 siblings, Zukas—who celebrated his 102nd birthday in August—told WCVB over the weekend his key to longevity was rather simple, joking: “I don’t know. Just get up every morning.”
Also present for Sunday’s march down Main Street were city councilors Thomas J. Sullivan, Michael S. McGonagle, Colin F. LePage, Melinda E. Barrett, Joseph J. Bevilacqua and John A. Michitson. State Rep. Andy Vargas and Senator-elect Diana DiZoglio also paid tribute to city servicemen.
FOR PHOTOS OF THE PARADE, CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY BELOW!
