[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S2020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ANTONIO PIERRO

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, last week our country and the State 
of Massachusetts lost a favorite son. Antonio Pierro passed away last 
week at the age of 110. Today would have been his 111th birthday.
  The Guinness World Records has said that Pierro was America's oldest 
war veteran, having served in World War I, and the oldest American man 
in its records. Only seven veterans of WWI are still known to be alive.
  Pierro was born in Italy in 1896 and lived there before he immigrated 
to the United States in 1914. Only 3 short years later, he was drafted 
into the Army and sent to France to fight in WWI. Pierro was given the 
opportunity to fight for the Italians, an ally of the United States, 
but instead chose to fight for his new homeland.
  Once his service was completed he followed his father and brothers 
back to Swampscott, MA and spent the rest of his life as a resident of 
the Bay State. His love for America was evident to all of those he met. 
His nephew, Richard Pierro said, ``When he left Italy, he left for 
good. This was the promised land. He didn't want to go back, even if 
you offered him free passage.''
  Pierro worked at a shoe plant, managed a body shop and eventually 
spent 17 years at General Electric in Lynn until his retirement, 46 
years ago, in 1961. His family attributes his longevity to his strict 
adherence to three square meals a day and lots of sleep. Pierro lived 
by simple rules of life and remained dedicated to leading a simple, 
good life until the day he passed. His is remembered as having a 
``twinkle in his eye'' and a gratitude for all that life had offered 
him. He lived in three different centuries, and he lived well.
  I ask that we remember him today as a veteran, a true American, and a 
testament to life's many gifts and surprises. Our country is honored by 
his service but also thankful for the lessons his life offers about 
patriotism, family, and the simple pleasures of life.

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