Today, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Jeff Miller (FL01), made the following statement regarding the death yesterday of Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles, who was believed to be America’s last remaining World War I veteran:
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mr. Buckles. As the last surviving veteran of the First World War, he served as a symbol not only of his own service and sacrifice, but also that of the other 4.7 million Americans who served alongside him.
I truly believe that Mr. Buckles embodied the best of what America has to offer. The courage and patriotism required for him to leave home as a sixteen-year-old and enlist in the military during a time of war speaks volumes about his character and commitment to this country.
Stories like Frank Buckles; and other great patriots, remind us of the importance of remembering the sacrifices of our Veterans, not just on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, but every other day. It is because of the actions of these individuals that we are able to enjoy the freedoms that they fought to protect.”