Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today--February 1--is the 110th birthday of Frank Buckles, the longest surviving veteran of World War I. It is also the day that I am proud to introduce a bipartisan bill to recognize the extraordinary efforts of 4 million men and women who served in World War I. I am joined by my colleagues Senators Webb, McCaskill, Thune and Blunt. We are united in our effort to prepare for the upcoming centennial of World War I. Our goal is to rededicate the DC memorial on the Mall as the District of Columbia and National World War I Memorial, and rededicate the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City as the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Our legislation also creates a commission to plan the national observance of the centennial. Having the appropriate tributes for our World War I veterans has been a cause for Frank Buckles. Over the years, he has become a representative of his generation of veterans. His personal story is similar to many young men of his era. As an eager 16-year-old, Frank Buckles tried to enlist in the Army several times and finally succeeded. He then pestered his officers to be sent to France. Mr. Buckles drove motorcycles, cars, and ambulances in England and France, and during the Occupation, he guarded German prisoners. Following the war, he went to work for the White Star steamship line. In December 1941, while on business in Manila, the Japanese attacked the Philippines.…”