Jonathan Sandys, Winston Churchill's Great-Grandson, Supports Capitol Rotunda Ceremony For Frank Buckles While Arlington Funeral Leaves Americans Out

The controversy concerning how Frank Buckles will be honored, if one can even use the word honored at this point, has taken yet another preposterous turn. The date has been set for Frank Buckles' funeral at Arlington Cemetery (Tuesday March 15 at 4 P.M.), but so far only family members and friends may attend. As of right now, the U.S. government is not allowing the American people to pay their respects to Frank Buckles and the entire World War I Generation. According to David DeJonge, Frank Buckles' photographer and spokesperson, there is still uncertainty as to who may attend. Arlington Cemetery is as secretive and aloof about the burial ceremony as John Boehner and Harry Reid are about denying Frank Buckles the opportunity to Lie In Honor at the Capitol Rotunda. This article describes the current situation: http://wvgazette.com/News/201103101151

Jonathan Sandys, great-grandson of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, has weighed in on the matter accurately describing it as "disgraceful" and "shameful". He released an "urgent statement" to United States President Barack Obama calling on him to "personally intervene immediately" and allow Frank Buckles to Lie In Honor. Here is the full press release: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/AN-URGENT-STATEMENT-FROM-WINSTON-CHURCHILL-RELATIVE-ON-FRANK-BUCKLES.html?soid=1103274555229&aid=R77pON5qrng I consider Jonathan's involvement to be very incredible. He has more drive and motivation than most Americans. It is appreciated.

A petition for those who support the Capitol Rotunda initiative was created and can be found at this url - http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/frankbuckleslieinhonor

While working on this particular blog entry, I discovered some new, but not Earth-shattering, information. This article - http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-frank-buckles-last-wwi-vet-to-be-buried-in-arlington-service-20110310,0,6252810.story?track=rss - claims Frank Buckles will Lie In Honor at Arlington Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater on March 15 from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M., but it too does not specify whether the public may attend. It only mentions a memorial service for local West Virginia residents that will take place one day later. Will local status be strictly enforced???

This is all I have for now. I will keep everyone abreast of any new developments pertaining to this ongoing (and unfortunate) saga.