Statement by the President on
The Passing of Frank W. Buckles
"Michelle and I were inspired by the service and life story of former Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I and the oldest known World War I era veteran in the world, who passed away yesterday at the age of 110. A decorated soldier in the Great War, he also survived more than three years in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War.
Frank Buckles lived the American Century. Like so many veterans, he returned home, continued his education, began a career, and along with his late wife Audrey, raised their daughter Susannah. And just as Frank continued to serve America until his passing, as the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, our nation has a sacred obligation to always serve our veterans and their families as well as they’ve served us. We join Susannah and all those who knew and loved her father in celebrating a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans."
President Barack Obama, Feb. 28, 2011
White House Release
Last American WWI Veteran Dies
 WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 - Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, has died at his West Virginia home at 110. Story | White House Release
Pentagon Honors WWI Veteran, Unveils
Exhibit of Last Survivors' Photographs
 WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 - Defense Department officials honored one of the
world's last living World War I veterans in a ceremony at the Pentagon
today. "I feel honored to be here as a representative of the veterans of WWI
and I thank you," said Frank Woodruff Buckles, 107, who wore multiple
service medals and remained in a wheelchair. He received a standing ovation
from the mostly military audience. Story | Dedication
Portrait Exhibit Puts Face on First World War
 David DeJonge is an award-winning photographer based in Grand Rapids, Mich., who specializes in portraits. In 2006, he partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a portrait exhibit of the last-known surviving veterans of World War I who lived in the United States. Portraits
Frank W. Buckles: World War I Vet Welcomes Celebrity of His Generation
 WASHINGTON, March 7, 2008 - Frank Woodruff Buckles lived an unassuming life for 105 years. That was until word got out that he was among the last of a generation that his countrymen only recently seemed to embrace. Story
The End of an Era: The Last Surviving
World War I Woman Veteran Dies
 Charlotte Winters lived for 109 years. To some, she may have appeared to be
just an ordinary woman who enjoyed an extraordinarily long life. But the
passing of Charlotte Winters on March 27, 2007, marked the end of an era in
military women's history-she was the last-known surviving woman veteran of
WWI. Story
The War That Built the Modern U.S. Military
 WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 – Serbian nationalists who attacked the U.S. embassy in Serbia last month over American recognition of Kosovo's independence provided a somber reminder of how another violent incident nearly a century ago in that faraway place spiraled into a world war. Story
In Flanders Fields Lyrics
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. Story
By Lt. Col. John McCrae
Maryland (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
Related Sites
Experiencing World War I
World War I Medal of Honor Recipients
Frequently Asked Questions About World War I
American Battle Monuments Commission
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