Topic: America's Last WW1 Veteran Dies

[736cc]

This should be today's headline. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41821018/ns/us_news-life

 Makes me think about the oldest bar in NYC, McSorley's Ale House a joint that has quite a bit of "character"- old photos, yellowed newspapers framed on wall( ie: LINCOLN SHOT), tankards behind the bar from original patrons etc. Well, if you look above the old bar, there are a couple of really old gas lantern chandeliers that have dozens and dozens of really scuzzy-looking turkey wishbones hanging on them. I asked the bartender, whats with the wishbones? He replied "When WW1 broke out, at Thanksgiving instead of the traditional "breaking" of the wishbone, all the soldiers about to go off to war instead placed their turkey wishbones up there and vowed to break them when they returned. Nobody has touched them since WW1." (and the dust is literally 2" high on them!)

[tramp]

the last one
so sad
next is ww2
then korea
then
guilp 
vietnam

[Skunk Stripe]

Happened on sunday. One more link to our past gone. I think there is 1 or 2 more in the UK still alive. It really is amazing that they were still alive anyways. Imagine everything he has seen.

[noahspop]

I am greatful for all that serve. I will now want to go grab a beer from that bar someday. Its going on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

[Kong]

The Congressional delegation (Congressmen and Senators, two Democrats and two Republicans) got together and asked the new Speaker of the House (John Boehner, Republican, Ohio) for permission for this old soldier's to be afforded the respect of a small ceremony and viewing in the Capital, but they said "No!"   This is how Boehner 'thanks them for their service'.  At least Boehner wasn't able to stop the man from receiving a military ceremony and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

[tramp]

i did not know there is no ww1 memorial
thats a shame

[BeSeeingYou]

The Congressional delegation (Congressmen and Senators, two Democrats and two Republicans) got together and asked the new Speaker of the House (John Boehner, Republican, Ohio) for permission for this old soldier's to be afforded the respect of a small ceremony and viewing in the Capital, but they said "No!"   This is how Boehner 'thanks them for their service'.  At least Boehner wasn't able to stop the man from receiving a military ceremony and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

I would usually be the last one to defend John Boehner but the Capital Rotunda is usually reserved to honor those who have been President.  Far from trying to stop Buckles from being buried at Arlington it was suggested that they use Arlington National Cemetery's beautiful amphitheater instead.

[MoMo]

My Grandpa was a WWI vet but he passed away back in the 50's from mustard gas complication. I have his Purple Heart and commendation signed by President Wilson. It is hard to believe that there was a vet still alive. They were a very special breed of men--as were the WWII vets...Larry

[Skunk Stripe]

Well rust, it goes like this. They guy was 110, had lied to serve his country in ww1, then in ww2, was in the south pacific and was a pow of the japanese for 3 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buckles
Bottom line is that it would not hurt to honor him as a way to honor past and current vets. Yes Arlington is good and all but this would maybe help restore a small measure of good will towards our govt.

[BeSeeingYou]

Well rust, it goes like this. They guy was 110, had lied to serve his country in ww1, then in ww2, was in the south pacific and was a pow of the japanese for 3 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buckles
Bottom line is that it would not hurt to honor him as a way to honor past and current vets. Yes Arlington is good and all but this would maybe help restore a small measure of good will towards our govt.

I am not against it but just explaining the reason why the idea was rejected.  It probably would have been a good idea but it's hardly the first time Boner has had a tin ear.  Like I said it is a singular honor reserved for presidents so Boner came down on the side of protocol and precedent.

[Kong]

The Congressional delegation (Congressmen and Senators, two Democrats and two Republicans) got together and asked the new Speaker of the House (John Boehner, Republican, Ohio) for permission for this old soldier's to be afforded the respect of a small ceremony and viewing in the Capital, but they said "No!"   This is how Boehner 'thanks them for their service'.  At least Boehner wasn't able to stop the man from receiving a military ceremony and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

I would usually be the last one to defend John Boehner but the Capital Rotunda is usually reserved to honor those who have been President.  Far from trying to stop Buckles from being buried at Arlington it was suggested that they use Arlington National Cemetery's beautiful amphitheater instead.

The viewing that was requested was to be for one day in a side anteroom to the Rotunda, not the Rotunda itself.  Just a side note for you, My step-father, mother, and one of my three sisters is buried at Arlington; I came close.