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Post by aefstraggler on Feb 28, 2011 11:33:45 GMT -8
Just saw this on the news.
Frank Buckles, the last known surviving American veteran of World War I,
a onetime Missouri farm boy who lied about his age to join the Army in 1917,
has died at age 110.
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Post by Larry Dunn on Mar 1, 2011 9:07:26 GMT -8
He was a tireless advocate for a memorial to honor his comrades in arms. God rest his soul.
-Larry
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Post by rsm2ndbtnlf on Nov 22, 2011 3:24:30 GMT -8
John,
A little late with comments here, but is this the chap whom they were considering burying at Arlington? Before I left, I recall reading something about the last US Veteran, and the House of Representatives was mentioned in connection to a decision which had to be made.
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Post by aefstraggler on Nov 22, 2011 5:06:33 GMT -8
I know that he testified before Congress (2009) about a memorial for all WW1 vets - also that
it was suggested - that as the last living US Vet of WW1 - that he be placed in the Rotunda of
the Capitol as a final tribute - and that he consented to the idea - but that was never done.
Instead his service was held at the Arlington Memorial Amphiteater Chapel. He is buried in plot
34 grave 581 (I believe) near General Pershing.
Congressional approval ("assistance"?) was needed for him to be buried at Arlington because he
did not actively serve in combat - rather he was an ambulance driver.
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Post by Marcus on Nov 22, 2011 9:09:44 GMT -8
It's medics, ambulance drivers, doctors and nurses that deal with end effects of warfare. He may have not made a grand assault, but I'm sure he dealt with their aftermath. I'm sure he had his own scars and bad dreams to deal with.
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Post by rsm2ndbtnlf on Nov 22, 2011 12:44:46 GMT -8
Thank you John, Marcus.
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