Political Quotes

“I wish to take a moment in this Chamber to honor the passing of the last doughboy, Mr. Frank Buckles, the last of those World War I veterans. Mr. Buckles was America's last living World War I veteran and he died Sunday in West Virginia. His death came 1 month after his 110th birthday, which he celebrated on February 1 with his family. Frank Buckles was dedicated to serving his country at all cost. He enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was only 16 years old. Throughout the Great War, Mr. Buckles proved himself to be a brave soldier. He served on the RMS Carpathia, drove ambulances and motorcycles in France and England, and escorted prisoners of war back to Germany. Mr. Buckles lived to see our country at war several more times in his life. He even survived as a prisoner of war during World War II. He had been captured while working for a shipping company in the Philippines. As a soldier and as a civilian, Mr. Buckles lived a life defined by hard work, love of country, and a sense of duty to his fellow citizens. His passing marks the loss of a generation that shared those same values, a generation that built America into the country it is today. My thoughts go out to his family. It is also important we recognize that Mr. Buckles' death is an important moment for all of America. Our country should come together to honor Mr. Buckles and an entire generation that has done so much to build a world where democracy and freedom are celebrated values.”