Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washington Times
April 11, 2008
Pg. B3
The federal government has bent the rules: Frank Buckles, the last living American-born veteran of World War I, can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery when he dies.
At 107, Mr. Buckles is the last surviving American-born veteran of the war. Though he was eligible for cremation and placement in a columbarium, his daughter said that's not what he wanted.
Susannah Flanagan said friends took up the cause, calling and e-mailing the Pentagon, the White House and others for an exception.
On March 19, Mr. Buckles received a letter saying he may be buried in the ground at Arlington.
Burial normally has several criteria, including earning one of five medals. Mr. Buckles, who was a teenager, never saw combat.
At 15, he visited a string of military recruiters, lying about his age until he convinced an Army captain he was 18.
Mr. Buckles spent his tour of duty working mainly as a driver and a warehouse clerk in Germany and France.
April 11, 2008
Pg. B3
The federal government has bent the rules: Frank Buckles, the last living American-born veteran of World War I, can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery when he dies.
At 107, Mr. Buckles is the last surviving American-born veteran of the war. Though he was eligible for cremation and placement in a columbarium, his daughter said that's not what he wanted.
Susannah Flanagan said friends took up the cause, calling and e-mailing the Pentagon, the White House and others for an exception.
On March 19, Mr. Buckles received a letter saying he may be buried in the ground at Arlington.
Burial normally has several criteria, including earning one of five medals. Mr. Buckles, who was a teenager, never saw combat.
At 15, he visited a string of military recruiters, lying about his age until he convinced an Army captain he was 18.
Mr. Buckles spent his tour of duty working mainly as a driver and a warehouse clerk in Germany and France.