Washington (CNN) --
Frank Buckles, the last living U.S. World War I veteran, has died, a spokesman for his family said Sunday. He was 110.
Lawmakers Monday began to move ahead with proposed resolutions that would allow his casket to be displayed at the Capitol Rotunda, and plans were already in the works for his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Buckles "died peacefully in his home of natural causes" early Sunday morning, the family said in a statement sent to CNN late Sunday by spokesman David DeJonge.
Buckles marked his 110th birthday on February 1, but his family had earlier told CNN he had slowed considerably since last fall, according his daughter Susannah Buckles Flanagan, who lives at the family home near Charles Town, West Virginia.
Buckles, who served as a U.S. Army ambulance driver in Europe during what was then known as the "Great War," rose to the rank of corporal before the war ended.
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People such as Frank Buckles who have dedicated their lives to our country should definitely be rewarded with honor and the recognition that goes along with being buried at Arlington Cemetary.
--Hayley Dawes
Anyone who put's their life on the line is definitely a hero in the eyes of their nation. And being an ambulance driver I'm sure that he helped an incredible amount of people stay alive and continue to support America. It's great how he was able to survive so long and die naturally, I bet he had some great stories to tell.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ms. Dawes on the fact that people who step up as Mr. Buckles did in time of war to defend our country should be greatly honored. He is the last war veteran of World War I which took a major role in the world all over. He participated in this big event and deserves great admiration and appreciation. As the last World War I veteran's death and burial takes place it is also right to honor all of those who served with this proud American. Cpl. Frank Buckles deserves an honorable burial and that is what he'll receive at Arlington Cemetery.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.army.mil/-news/2011/02/28/52573-last-wwi-veteran-dies/