President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden greet Susannah Flanagan, daughter of Frank Buckles, at Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Chapel in Arlington, Va., March 15, 2011. Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, passed away on Feb. 27, 2011, at his West Virginia home. He was 110. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Leadership at its BEST! RIP.
For some reason this picture doesn’t make me feel sad. It makes me feel calm and appreciative of a life well lived. To get to 110 and have the President of the United States at your funeral is surely something great. A salute to Mr Buckles!
I agree, I’ld say there is much to rejoice about a life lived for 110 years. And having our President and Vice President in attendance and representing the nation, is a measure of great honor and respect.
I agree.
WalkingOnSunshine you speak for me.
Me too.
Good bye to the last Doughboys. Well done Frank Buckles, thank you for your service to this country.
RIP Sir.
Hello Everyone:
I was appalled that this obstructionist Congress missed a golden opportunity to show its’ respect to our Veterans and their service to our Country.
If there was anyone that deserved to be lying in state in the Rotunda — it was Buckles — there are no more Veterans’ of World War; so setting the precedent could cause no later problems.
What on earth were they thinking??
These guys aqre clearly off the chain. I was married to two Marine Veterans — one from the Korean War and the other from the VIETNAM conflict and I am relieved that neither was still alive to witness this crass disregard for a life spanning a complete Century. At least God provided him a just reward.
Thanks for letting me vent — I am only 75 and can clearly see that this is the most primitive group of congresspersons ever to assemble together in the Nations’ Capitol; they can’t be re-called a moment too soon — one by one !!
Your rant is justified. I am still disgusted about this. And the media is also pathetic – I didn’t hear even one report about this embarassing and crass display. It’s a real shame.
You said it well Yvonne, and your vent/rant is, in my opinion, is justified-along with many others-including myself-who have spoken out so passionately about Boehner and his nonsense.
@Yvonne D Baskerville:
I totally agree with you on this one! I am so disgusted with the way Speaker Boehner refused to give his permission to have the remains of Mr. Buckles lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda as the representative of the American veterans who fought during WW I. We passed up a golden opportunity to honor these brave people. Thank you, Mr. Buckles, for your service and your service in both wars. Godspeed. Thank you, President Obama and Vice President Biden for atttending this funeral and ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff at federal government facilities. These people have no shame!
I didn’t see this on the President or VP’s calendar today, so I wonder if they decided to attend at the last minute, after they heard what Boehner did.
Yes it was unscheduled, according to my local ABC news reports.
First time here. Great place! I left this at BWD (where I found out about you), and seems appropriate here too:
I was aware of Mr. Frank Buckles a couple of years ago after seeing this excellent video about him:
I was struck with how critical he was about the Republican decisions to invade and occupy Middle Eastern countries. When I first heard about Boehner and the Republicans refusing to properly honor this historic man, I immediately thought that it was because Mr. Buckles spoke out about this. Republicans are that childish and petty, and it’s really sickening these people have any voice in our national discourse, let alone the power to influence our laws. Can you imagine if Nancy Pelosi or President Obama were refusing to properly honor our last veteran from WWI…my god! From the video, Frank Buckles in his own words while he was 109 years old:
“I think it’s a tragedy, myself. How did we get involved in this thing, Iraq? It was crazy! We have no damn business there! You never get the truth in these things. Eventually you will, but not while the present people are living.”
Perhaps someone of that age, who is still sharp as can be, might know a few things and teach us….you think?
Bonkers, thank you for the video. I lingered on the photo for a long time and thought about how this man daughter must feel being a part of this incredible day of respect for his service.
This is in many ways, a small thing on Obama’s schedule. Gates, or someone else could have done it, but the prez. and vp took it upon themselves to be present to honor Frank but also his family. My goodness, we have two very special men who lead this country.
ps welcome
The President’s entire schedule will never be published because of what I assume are security reasons. But did anyone doubt that he wouldn’t pay his respects? Mr. Buckles passing was on the evening news, and the story was led with the opening the last WWI veteran.. I did know about the tan man’s decision not to honor Mr. Buckles but my feeling is that the American people are growing up to understand that Repups cannot govern and they despise all workers even our Veterans.
Very true. We need to remind voters every day that Repups don’t respect the Workers in America — only the wealthy 2%ers! My West Virgina native father (now deceased) and WWII/Vietnam veteran would be so mad that rust man showed NO respect for the last WWI veteran. Did he even show up at the funeral? Rust man never shows up except to golf clubs or Repups events — trying to get more money. I am proud that our President and Vice President took the time out of their busy schedules and showed respect and honor to the last WWI veteran. They no only talk the talk but walk the walk in supporting the military.
I guess they were too busy at that “emergency” meeting they called to defund NPR. The republicans’ behavior is shameful, and I hope more Americans are paying closer attention to them after witnessing Scott Walker’s power grab in WI.
nice pic!
first of all, i have to wean myself off the Huffpost website.
They finally posted the sarah silverman interview. but GUESS WHAT?
they felt out half of what sarah said and focused on the part she said she would be naked in a movie.
they never mentioned, the hug or the thoroughbred comment. i mean seriously!!!
thank you guys for opening my eyes to their biased nature. SMH
Go into detox immediately, and wean yourself from Huffington Post. They have nothing but the worst intentions towards President Obama.
ballerine, There are a whole bunch of sites that are available to you that do not spend their time talking negatively about the president. Now we have a huge choice of sites that talk about the good things that PBO is doing and trying to do. Check out the list on The Obama Diary on the right for more choices.
I think what is hard to do in terms of leaving any site, is having to say good bye to all of the people you have become familiar with. I have never met anyone I engage with, but we develop a bond because we feel the same about the issues and the president. Good luck on the weaning.
This picture is so heartwarming. Our President exemplifies compassion, respect and thoughtfulness for everyone. God bless President Obama. May you rest in peace Mr. Buckles.