On Memorial Day, we must acquiese our progressive arguendo's against war and honor those who served, sacrificed or paid the ultimate price to protect our Democratic society. While we "holiday" in the Hamptons, on the Cape, at the beach or in the park; our BBQ's are able to be - because of noteworthy men and women memorial! Thus my story on Elizabeth Warren will wait until Tuesday, because of a MSM note on someone of outstanding character and accomplishment noteworthy.
The White House has asked us to Join them in honoring & thanking America'smilitary
Frank Woodruff Buckles passed away this year, February 27, 2011. He was the last known World War I Veteran and proud servant, a "doughboy" who was also one-hundred and ten (110) years old when he passed away.
Senator Manchin joined Senator Rockefeller in protesting Speaker of the House John Boehner refusal to allow a service to "Lie in State" at the Nations Capitol of Frank Buckles - who was a hero, veteran, POW and public servant even until his end of days.
As denoted in the Veterans Today article (here) quoting Senator Jay Rockefeller's poignant reflection on the life and times of Veteran Frank Buckles - that;
“Frank Buckles was a unique American, a wonderfully plain-spoken man and an icon for the World War I generation. His life was full and varied and an inspiration for his unbridled patriotism and enthusiasm for life. It has been my privilege to call Frank Buckles a friend and fellow West Virginian,” Rockefeller said. “Today, we honor him – for his courage to join the war, for his continuous dedication to this great country and for the history and legacy he has left us with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter Susannah, his family and all of his friends and neighbors near his beloved Gap View Farm in West Virginia. Mr. Buckles fought for our nation’s freedom, and continued to fight to make sure that he and the more than 4.3 million Americans who served in the first Great War are honored with a fitting tribute through a national memorial – and that is a fight that I will continue.”
America becomes war on Germany concerned February 3, 1917
We have the right to protest war. Even back in the 1910's (WWI) (Wikipedia (
here)) and 1940's (WWII), American's initially refused to get caught up in European conflicts. Woodrow Wilson called for war on Germany after German submarine's resumed assaults and a German telegram sought Mexico to join them in impending war between Germany and the United States. Known as the
Zimmeran Telegram, President Wilson released it as America looked upon it as
casus belli - (a cause for war). Thus, President Wilson requested, and the
US Congress declared War, on April 6, 1917.
Frank Buckles joins Army at age 17
Frank Buckles joined the Army at age 17, after failing efforts to join the Marines, saying he was too small and the Navy (which claimed he had flat feet). He drove ambulances and motorcycles for the Army's 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment. As denoted by Wikipedia (here), Buckles recalled his service as a doughboy stating picturesquely that - even then - America was [is] cocky;
There was never a shortage of blown-up bodies that needed to be rushed to the nearest medical care. The British and French troops were in bad shape – even guys about my age looked old and tired. After three years of living and dying inside a dirt trench, you know the Brits and French were happy to see us "doughboys." Every last one of us Yanks believed we’d wrap this thing up in a month or two and head back home before harvest. In other words, we were the typical, cocky Americans no one wants around, until they need help winning a war.
Frank Buckles the POW
It seems that Buckles was destined for greatness all his life. Even in his "peacetime" efforts in a career as a chief "purser" for cargo and passenger ships on multiple continents, Frank Buckles walked in his destiny's pathway often. He learned of antisemitism and warned acquaintances of Nazi Germany's threat. Telling German's that their country would be brought down by Adolf Hilter, whom he had a chance meeting with at a German hotel.
Buckles wound up working with W.R. Grace and his shipping travels took him to Manila in the Philippines. At the outbreak of the war, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, he was captured by the Japanese in January 1942. Where he spent the next 3 years as a civilian internee.
As a prisoner he faced the oppression of his captures and started a small garden, where he often fed children who were prisoners also. Starvation was the norm, where prisoner's only received a small meal of mush served in a tin cup. Buckles kept that utensil for the rest of his life. Getting below 100 lbs, Buckles practiced and worked calisthenics with fellow captives to sustain themselves through the torturous times.
Once freed, Buckless began many quests to never forget the times memorable. Frank had spoken often, of how after coming home from WWI - no one had asked any questions of him - about the war.
Frank Buckles pushes for a permanent WWI Memorial
Keeping up with his destiny of public service note-worthy, Buckles visited the Columbia War Memorial in March 2008. At that time he found the memorial, that was dedicated in 1931, to be secluded and in extreme disrepair. The memorial was dedicated to 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives in World War I. According to the WWI Memorial.Org website (here), Buckles beseeched the nation and issued a call for restoration and re-dedication of the D.C. memorial as National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. A photographer was running around the globe to document World Wars from the surviving members. David DeJonge denotes Frank Buckles quest. You can get part of the story in this YouTube video;
Frank Buckles memorialized and John Boehner's shame
Buckles became the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation. He was named as ABC's World News Tonight's "Person of the Week" on March 22, 2009, for his efforts to clean up and permanently fix the memorial. Frank also went before Congress December 3, 2009 as the oldest person who ever testified before Congress. He also escaped execution, as a WWII prisoner warned the Armed Forces that the Japanese intended to kill all the captives. According to the American Legion story (
here), the 11th Airborne then parachuted in on February 23, 1945 and rescued all 2000 prisoners.
Additionally, the work on behalf of Frank Buckles efforts did achieve a $2.2 million dollar restoration fund for the DC Memorial. The great American hero was also awarded the World War I Victory Medal at the conclusion of that conflict. As well as the French Legion of Honor award in 1999 and the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal retroactively, following its creation in 1941.
Yet, despite all Frank Woodruff Buckles meritorial service, his gallantry and nobility; GOP Speaker of the House - John Boehner - refused to permit a "Lie in State" memorial service for Frank Buckles. Senator Jay Rockefeller had introduced legislation to grant Buckles a Rotunda memorial. But the great pain in the American ass that he is, John Boehner staunchly refused - forcing a "Lie in Basement" instead of Rotunda (see HuffPo story (here)). This outrageous partisan positioning even earned a rebuff from one of this diarist's most notorious Republican enemies, former US Attorney central California Tom O'Brien who said;
Maybe Boehner should enlist in the armed forces before he turns down a vet. Frank Buckles did his best for the “vets” which is more than Boehner ever
did!!!
Senator Rockefeller had this to say about Boehner's refusal;
This is a big disappointment and a surprising decision by the Speaker,” said Rockefeller. “My resolution is simple. It would have provided a fitting tribute to Frank Buckles – the nation’s last Doughboy. Surely, Speaker Boehner can agree that the Congress should pause for a moment to pay its respects to Mr. Buckles and all our World War I veterans. When you honor one veteran, you honor them all. I hope that the Speaker will reconsider his refusal to honor Mr. Buckles in this way.”
But, it was Senator Joe Manchin (D-VA) who took off the gloves of decorum and lambasted Boehner correctly as he stated apropos;
“It is unconscionable that Speaker Boehner would deny this honor to the last living American veteran of World War I,” Senator Manchin said. “Frank Buckles was the standard-bearer of a great cause, and spent the last years of his long life fighting to make sure that our country pays proper tribute to all World War I veterans. Now it is our turn to fight to make sure our country honors him – and all the World War I veterans for whom he fought – with the highest degree of respect.
“I urge Speaker Boehner to reconsider this ill-advised decision.”
President Obama did what he could as the photo's show here;
There are many great websites that denote this story
- The Official Frank Buckles.Org website
- World War I Memorial Foundation website
- Senator Rockefeller's website urging Boehner not to be such a BONER
- Senator Joe Machin's website lambaste of Boehner
- YouTube video of Photographer David DeJonge Frank Buckles tribute
- Video (below) from Pershing Last Patriot website and movie
Frank Woodruff Buckles was the best that is American. The white hat, the inflexible sword of truth and honor. A public servant throughout his life, serving our country and our planet for more than 100 years. A true red, white and blue United States citizen who served his country and humanity with the best that he could offer.
We will continue, in your honor, to help make a WWI Memorial happen.
Please contribute to the World War I Memorial Fund (here).
You can also sign the Petition to the U.S. Congress (here).
The Movie Trailer of The Persian's Last Patriot
The White House and Dr. Jill Biden ask's us to join them this Memorial Day
and Thank our Service men and women.
We all must do our part to make the world better.
Rest well Buckles, you served us all well = and will never be forgotten!