[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 11, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5529-S5530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 89--AUTHORIZING FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES TO 
       LIE IN HONOR IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL UPON HIS DEATH

  Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Specter, Mr. Craig, Mrs. Dole, 
and Mr. Isakson) submitted the following conurrent resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration:

                            S. Con. Res. 89

       Whereas the veterans of the First World War fought bravely 
     and made heroic sacrifices for the Allied forces; and
       Whereas past resolutions have sought authorization for 
     American heroes to lie in honor in the rotunda of the Capitol 
     upon an individual's passing, it is the Nation's collective 
     desire to express its gratitude for the service of all World 
     War I veterans by making it known to that war's last American 
     survivor the honor it wishes to bestow on him before he 
     passes: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. HONORING FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES.

       (a) In General.--In recognition of the historic 
     contributions of United States veterans who served in the 
     First World War, Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving 
     United States veteran of the First World War, shall be 
     permitted to lie in honor in the rotunda of the Capitol upon 
     his death, so that the citizens of the United States may pay 
     their last respects to this great American.
       (b) Implementation.--The Architect of the Capitol, under 
     the direction and supervision of the President pro tempore of 
     the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
     shall take the necessary steps to implement subsection (a).

  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I have sought recognition today to introduce 
a resolution honoring the last surviving member of a heroic group, the 
American World War I veterans. When the U.S. entered the First World 
War in 1917, 4.7 million Americans donned a military uniform and fought 
with the Allies struggling in an imperialistic battle of trench 
warfare. Now, 90 years after America's entry into the war, only one 
veteran remains.
  Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles, born in 1901, was sent to England 
and France during the First World War after exaggerating his age on 
Army paperwork. Eager to join the action, Buckles trained in the 
ambulance services and acted as a driver, remaining

[[Page S5530]]

after the armistice to escort prisoners of war back to Germany.
  Mr. Buckles now stands as the last representation of the Americans 
that served in the Great War. Though now distanced by the following 
economic depression, subsequent World War and more recent conflicts, 
World War I still remains a critical part of our history, symbolizing 
the emergence of our country as a superpower and demonstrating the 
willingness and selflessness of those who serve in our military. These 
men, 90 years later, still deserve the recognition and admiration of a 
grateful nation.
  In honor of Frank Buckles and the millions of veterans he stands for, 
I am introducing a resolution authorizing Mr. Buckles to lie in honor 
in the rotunda of the Capitol upon his passing so that citizens may pay 
tribute to the last member of this faithful group of Americans. After a 
period of repose, Mr. Buckles will receive final burial at the 
Arlington National Cemetery, a privilege offered earlier this year. I 
introduce this resolution now, so that Mr. Buckles will be aware of the 
respect we wish to pay to him and his fellow veterans.
  We should not allow this generation to fade from our society without 
showing our appreciation of their service. As Ranking Member of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, and on behalf of Senator Byrd, I ask my 
colleagues to join us in extending this honor to Mr. Buckles.

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