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Members of District of Columbia Post 1 recently paid a visit to the Charles Town, West Virginia home of Frank Buckles, the last American World War I veteran. The 107-year-old enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16 and served in Europe during the war.
Legionnaires from the oldest post in The American Legion presented Buckles with a certificate of recognition, noting his years of Legion membership.
“He has an amazing sense of history,” said Jake Gadd, a member of Post 1. “He loved General Pershing. A friend of his family told me that he reads several languages and stays up until 11 or 12 at night reading history.”
Buckles is a 77-year member of American Legion Merchant Marine Post 945 in Jefferson Valley, N.Y. Last month, he met with President Bush in the Oval Office and was honored with a special ceremony at the Pentagon
Gadd said that Buckles’ secrets to a long life include drinking a glass of Port wine, exercise, diet and reading.
During World War II, Buckles was a civilian working in the Philippines, when he was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese for three years.
“Mr Buckles has a vivid recollection of historic times,” Bush said during their March 6 meeting. “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 your patriotism and your love for America.”
