Frank Buckles passing

Frank Buckles, who lived down the road from me in Charles Town, West Virginia, died last Sunday. Frank was 110 years old, and was the last surviving American World War One Veteran. The US House and Senate passed resolutions to allow Frank to lie in state in the US Capital Rotunda, however these resolutions were blocked by Speaker of the House John Boehner.

During World War Two, Frank, a civilian, was captured and held as a POW by the Japanese for three and a half years. Still, John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

Frank received the World War One Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal, and four Overseas Service Bars, but still John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

The French Government awarded Frank the Legion d'Honneur, but still John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

The British will send their Air Vice-Marshall to Frank's burial, but still John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

The French Government will send a Defense Ministry official, and plan to send two honor guards and pallbearers, but still John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

Frank Buckles was the last American survivor of The Great War. Over 65 million troops, from all countries, were mobilized during World War One. Of these, 8,556,315 were killed. Frank represents all Americans that served, indeed all those of every nation that served in World War One. This would include my grandfather, Burt Wiggins, and my grandmother's brother, George Alley. Still, John Boehner is blocking Frank from lying in state in the Capital Rotunda.

This does not in any way diminish Frank's accomplishment or his service to his country, or any of the millions of those who served, and continue to serve.

Thanks, Frank. I won't forget you.