House Resolution 50

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES, THE LAST KNOWN SURVIVING AMERICAN VETERAN OF WORLD WAR I, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known surviving American veteran of World War I, died peacefully in his home near Charles Town, West Virginia, at the age of 110 years on Sunday, February 27, 2011; and

WHEREAS, born on his father's farm north of Bethany, Missouri, on February 1, 1901, Frank Buckles enlisted in the Army at the young age of 16 and served as an ambulance driver in Europe during what was then known as the "Great War" and the "War to End All Wars"; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1940s, while working as an officer on merchant ships during World War II, Frank Buckles was captured in the Philippines and spent over three years as a prisoner of war in Japanese prison camps until his rescue by United States troops in 1945; and

WHEREAS, after returning home, Frank Buckles married Audrey Mayo of Pleasanton, California, and the couple ultimately returned to the land near Charles Town, West Virginia, which had been settled by Mr. Buckles' forefather in 1732, to make their home; and

WHEREAS, Frank Buckles, the epitome of a true American patriot, continued to serve his country in his senior years by advocating for a National Memorial for World War I, which he considered part of his responsibility to properly honor the memory of fellow veterans of the war that was fought to make the world safe for democracy and which repositioned world power and influence, firmly establishing the United States as a dominant world power; and

WHEREAS, survived by his daughter, Susannah Buckles Flanagan, Frank Buckles, whose life spanned more than an entire century, has been praised by the President of the United States as "a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism" and by United States Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia as "a unique American, a wonderfully plain-spoken man, and an icon for the World War I generation whose life was full and varied and an inspiration for his unbridled patriotism and enthusiasm for life"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to humbly honor a hero such as Frank Buckles, whose inspirational life of tireless service to fellowman and country is an exemplary model of a patriotic American to which all citizens of our great country may aspire:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and a century of service of Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known surviving American veteran of World War I, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Susannah Buckles Flanagan, family spokesman, David J. DeJonge, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.