[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1082-E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MR. FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES AND ALL WHO SERVED OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise out of a deep respect for our 
Nation's sons and daughters whom we honor each year on Memorial Day. On 
May 26, 2008, the people of our United States will observe the memory 
of our men and women in uniform, who, throughout our history, made the 
ultimate sacrifice out of service to our great Nation.
  In Kansas City, Missouri, we will gather at Liberty Memorial, the 
National World War I Museum, to reflect and honor our dead. Mr. Frank 
Woodruff Buckles, from Missouri, is the last known surviving American 
World War I veteran and will be present for the ceremony. Mr. Buckles 
witnessed the evolution of our country from isolation, depression, 
immigration, to liberation. He was part of a generation who saw all 
Americans receive the right to vote. He experienced the technological 
transformation and globalization of our country. He also saw the 
heartache and ugliness of war.
  Ninety-one years ago, our doughboys left home to engage in the War to 
End All Wars.

[[Page E1083]]

Like Harry S. Truman, another Missourian, Mr. Buckles had to manipulate 
the rules to enlist during World War I. Truman had to memorize an eye 
chart; at age 16, Mr. Buckles had to exaggerate his age. Private 
Buckles joined the Army and was detailed to the 1st Fort Riley Casual 
Detachment. He soon arrived in theater where he saw duty as an 
ambulance driver in England, France and Germany. During part of the 
conflict he was assigned the responsibility of guarding German 
prisoners and returned home with the rank of Corporal.
  Nearly 4,744,000 Americans defended their country abroad during World 
War I, and 116,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. After the war, the 
compassionate people of Greater Kansas City raised enough money in 11 
days to build the Liberty Memorial. At the dedication of the Liberty 
Memorial, General of the Armies John J. Pershing, Commander of the 
American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, stated: ``The memorial 
also symbolizes the obligation that rests upon present and future 
generations to preserve that for which those men and women offered 
their all, and from many of whom the supreme sacrifice was accepted. 
May their memory live on, and may every American who looks upon this 
noble edifice be inspired by their devotion.''
  We were naive in those days to think that World War I would be the 
last World War. Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles saw the Second World War 
first hand as well. As a civilian he was employed by the White Star 
steamship line. While working in Manila in 1941, the Japanese forces 
attacked and took him prisoner. Three and a half years later he was 
freed by the 11th Airborne Division and returned to the United States.
  Mr. Buckles' presence at the Liberty Memorial on Memorial Day is a 
reminder to all Americans that our country has been repatriated by the 
sacrifices of our veterans. Memorial Day is our national holiday of 
mourning intended to honor those who valiantly served our great Nation. 
As we gather in honor of generations of Americans who lost their lives 
in battle, we turn to our veterans to extend our gratitude, and bow our 
heads in memory of comrades lost.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please join me in saluting Mr. 
Frank Woodruff Buckles, a true American patriot, and all of our 
veterans who died In service, and those who survived to make America a 
better place to live.

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