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| United States World War I Recruitment Poster |
Sadly, the national news has reported that the last American World War I veteran passed away this month.
Frank Buckles understood patriotic pride and national honor when he, after a few attempts, enlisted in the United States military at the age of 16. Though not seeing any battle, Buckles served in Europe and returned home in 1920. This simple and dignified man left us after living a long 110-year old life. Historians recognize the implications when looking at this truly unhappy occurrence. Military veterans provide an abundant and uncanny amount of information when interviewed about their experiences on and off the battlefield. Many historical groups, government agencies, and military entities have campaigned to record every veteran's story for future use and preservation. Now with Buckles gone, an important generation of patriots are no longer alive or around for other Americans to make a connection to World War I. Thankfully, he pursued the means to ensure his story lives on forever in American's minds and hearts. We have a civic duty to continue this process and avoid a future where these brave men's experiences are not placed in the historical record.
Image courtesy of the
Library of Congress.
1 comments:
I couldn't agree more. Veterans of all wars are so important to this country, but especially WWI and WWII veterans now, as time marches on and America all too quickly forgets the threats that the rest of the world poses right outside our door. Veterans are heroes and they cannot, and should not, be forgotten. Thank you for not letting his passing go by without recognition. Did you hear about Dick Winters passing? Are you familiar with him? I'm sure you are....
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