The last known American veteran of World War I has passed away:
Frank W. Buckles died Sunday, sadly yet not unexpectedly at age 110, having achieved a singular feat of longevity that left him proud and a bit bemused.
In 1917 and 1918, close to 5 million Americans served in World War I, and Mr. Buckles, a cordial fellow of gentle humor, was the last known survivor. "I knew there'd be only one someday," he said a few years back. "I didn't think it would be me."
Mr. Buckles apparently died of natural causes on his farm in West Virginia where his daughter looked after him.
It is the sad but inevitable passing of not just a man, but an era. He lived a long life though and what amazing change he had seen over that time. Before my grandmother passed away at age 91 in 2001 we had talked about that sort of thing. Growing up without electricity to the age of computers and the internet, and too many other wonders to list.
The only relative that served during WWI was a great uncle named Joe. He passed away before I was born and about all I know is that he was stationed at Fort Union in New Mexico and he never made it over to the fighting in Europe. Up until about a month ago I didn't know any of that, but an aunt and a cousin have compiled some family history recently. One of these days I'm going to track down his service record.
According to the article, Mr. Buckles technically did not qualify for a full burial site at Arlington National Cemetery, but that was waived in 2008. Longevity has its rewards and it is fitting that the last American from that war to pass on joins his comrades there. Rest in peace, Frank W. Buckles.
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