I had the great fortune of meeting Corporal Buckles one week ago. We had a wonderful conversation about a variety of topics including his World War I experiences, his meeting with General Pershing, being a POW in the 1940s, Germany, South America, artifacts, history and working out in addition to others, and shared a few laughs as well. His memory is excellent - he told me specific details about the 1910s and 1920s. He is fluent in four languages and we briefly spoke to each other in German. I showed him a picture of myself standing in the Giza Desert with the three Pyramids behind me. He said "Egypt ... I'd like to go there someday". Centenarian status should be of little concern for I believe he can still go there! It was a(n) unique and extraordinary opportunity, an enjoyable experience and an amazing day ... one I will never forget. In the years and decades to come, I will always look back on our meeting with great appreciation ... and a smile. Here's to you ... Frank W. Buckles, the last of the American Doughboys! Happy 108th Birthday and many more to follow!!
The photographs below are of a delighful cachet, an autographed portrait taken by David DeJonge for the World War One Education Project fundraiser and the two of us together on that wonderful day!
Links of interest:
http://www.frankbuckles.org/
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.01070
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Frank+Buckles&aq=f
Posts
The Canadian WWI veteran is living in Seattle, Washington.
ReplyDeleteHi there. Thanks for stopping by. John Babcock was in training during the War, and never saw any action. He does not consider himself a Veteran, but due to his age and his association with World War One, the media has taken great interest in him.
ReplyDeleteMay Frank rest in peace and his memory live on to inspire others.
ReplyDeleteHello. Thank you for the comment. Yes, we must NEVER FORGET Frank Buckles and ALL of the Veterans of World War I!
ReplyDelete