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White House Photo |
By John Raughter
It’s been a busy week for Frank Buckles, the last living American World War I veteran.
First the 107-year-old’s picture is splashed on the front page of the Daytona Beach News Journal thanks to a recent visit by some persistent Legionnaires, then he meets the President of the United States and is honored at the Pentagon.
Last week American Legion Post 285 Commander Ken Terry, Vice Commander Thomas Coe, Post Service Officer Jim Baker and SAL Commander Charles Hoff drove 17 hours from their post in Edgewood, Florida to visit Buckles at his home in Charles Town, W.Va.
“We wanted to meet and thank the last American World War I veteran,” Coe said. “We spoke with him for about 90 minutes. He was very alert and it was a great visit.”
While Buckles recalled once driving for World War I General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing during the war, the Legionnaires hatched an ambitious plan while they drove back to Florida. Why not arrange a meeting between Buckles and the President of the United States?
“As commander-in-chief, I humbly request you take the time out of your busy schedule to visit and shake the hand of the last living American veteran of the Great War,” Coe wrote in a letter to President Bush. “Of all the letters, medals and handshakes this gentleman has received, he has never met a president of this great country.”
On March 6, Buckles was sitting next to President Bush in the Oval Office.
“Mr. Buckles’ mind is sharp, his memory is crisp, and he’s been sharing with me some interesting anecdotes,” Bush said. “I asked him where he lived and he said, that reminds me of what General Pershing asked me. And he told the general that he was raised on a farm in Missouri. And the general said, well, you know, as the crow flies, it’s 40 miles from where I was raised.
“And so Mr. Buckles has a vivid recollection of historic times,” Bush continued. “And one way for me to honor the service of those who wear the uniform in the past and those who wear it today is to herald you, sir, and to thank you very much for you patriotism and your love for America.”
That same day Buckles and his family were special guests at a Pentagon ceremony, in which officials unveiled photographer David DeJonge’s World War I Veterans Exhibit.
“Whoever views this display will, I am sure, feel a connection to Mr. Buckles and his comrades-in-arms,” Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said.
Buckles is a 77-year-member of American Legion Merchant Marine Post 945 in Jefferson Valley, N.Y. He was clearly moved by all of the attention.
“I feel honored to be here as a representative of the veterans of World War I and I thank you,” he said at the Pentagon ceremony. It was clear from his admirers in The American Legion, the Oval Office and the current military, that a great deal of Americans want to be thanking him.
Comments (2)
I think it's absolutely fantastic to see this man in the White House with the President.
Posted by Ron Walker | 03/08/08 5:48 AM |
I am very proud of the patriotism exhibited by my fellow Legionnaires. What a fitting string of events for this great American hero and war veteran. My deepest thanks Mr. Buckles.
Posted by Tony Cooper | 03/09/08 8:49 PM |