[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 1, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
pay tribute to Frank Woodruff Buckles on the occasion of his 110th 
birthday. Frank has gained fame as the last living World War I veteran 
in the United States and has humbly accepted praise on behalf of the 
veterans who have gone before him. His story, like that of so many of 
the doughboys, is one of patriotism. As a 16-year-old in 1917, Frank 
lied to a military recruiter about his age so that he could join the 
Army. Once overseas, Frank served as an ambulance driver in England and 
France. Following the Armistice, Frank was part of a company returning 
prisoners of war back to Germany.
  During World War II, while working for a private shipping company in 
Manila, Frank spent 3 years and 2 months as a Japanese prisoner-of-war. 
He still has, to this day, the small tin cup that he ate his paltry 
meals out of during that time period.
  While we appropriately honor Frank for his service to our country, we 
should also recognize him for his longevity. His 110 years of life are 
no doubt due to his dedication to fitness and his love of learning. 
Well into his hundreds, Frank was still doing 50 situps a day and 
driving both his car and his tractor. Frank's love of learning has led 
him to learn numerous foreign languages and read countless books.
  Frank never intended to have the distinction of being the last 
American World War I veteran. As he has said, ``I knew it would happen 
to somebody, but I didn't necessarily think it was going to be me.'' 
Mr. President, I think you will agree with me that Mr. Buckles has 
accepted this honor with grace and humility. We salute you today, Frank 
Buckles, and wish you the best on this special occasion.

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