At this trying time...

Frank Woodruff Buckles of Charles Town, West Virginia has passed away of natural causes at the ripe old age of 110.  He was the last remaining American "doughboy" who served our country in World War I.

 

... we were the typical cocky Americans no one wants around

until they need help winning a war."

 

President Bush met with WWI veteran Corporal Frank Buckles in March 2008.

 

 

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Allen West (FL-22) released the following statement today on the passing of the last United States veteran who served in World War I: 

“With the passing of the last American veteran of World War I, we say goodbye to a generation of Americans who showed the world that the United States was the most powerful defender of freedom and liberty on the face of the earth.  Frank Buckles embodied the spirit of a true American. He lied about his age so he could enlist in the Army at the age of 16. Like millions of Americans who came before him, and millions more who followed, Frank Buckles fought for his country at the hour of its greatest need for his generation. He is the epitome of the American citizen soldier. 

At this trying time in our nation’s history, we remember men like Frank Buckles – what they stood for, what they fought for, and what they lived for.” 

 

According to this profile published last year, Mr. Buckles had one last wish: "that his countrymen build a national memorial for those for whom he is the last representative, the World War I veterans."

It is a worthy wish, and readers can learn more about the World War I Memorial Foundation at www.wwimemorial.org. 

 

A documentary about the life of Frank Buckles is to be called "Pershing's Last Patriot."  If you'd like to contribute, go to 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/frankbuckles/americas-last-ww-1-survivor-the-story-of-frank-buc

 

UPDATE: According to Don Surber, our Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV-3) plans to introduce legislation later today to authorize that Frank Buckles should like in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Amen to that, and thank you Shelley!

Comments

[Tom GLennon]

Yael, it is now too late for us to thank the veterans of WW I. However, we should be aware that in not much more than twenty years, we will lose the last of our WW II veterans. Of the 16 million who survived the war and returned home, more than 14 million have already passed away. Of the less than 2 million remaining, more than 900 die each day. While a memorial to those already gone is appropriate, a simple thank you to those still with us is both appropriate and timely.