RIP Frank Buckles-last American Veteran of WWI

[Steve S]

Was saddened to here of the passing Frank Buckles, the last living American Veteran of WWI (IE Great War). He was 110.

Now some may say this is important news but not relevant here in this forum but I trully believe otherwise.

I don't think anyone on this board (the 1% of the populaiton with some actuall knowledge of history) would deny the impact WW I had on the events that led to WWII and even the current events of the Middle East all tie right back to how the area was divied after the Armistice.

However more important and disheartening to me was the striking fact that this news rated less than a 7 second blurb on my morning newscast. Is this a sign of things to come with our ever shrinking population of the "Greatest Generation" veterans whom we all respect and talk about here often. I will admit I started down the road of my addiction too round engines and big props for the machinery and toys but quickly learned they were only inanimate hunks of metal and wood- It is the people, places, events, experiences and tangeible history (no wrote memorization of names dates but the real joys and terrors) stories which I believe are the most precious thing I have gained from this hobby and my experiences with the Warbird Community.

I truly hope that 7 seconds between the Oscar results (3 minutes) and weather is not the fate awaiting the last member of "The Greatest Generation". Among all of our good natures but petty arguments over "Top Secret Boys Clubs" and what is the correct shade and hue of paint for the inside of a gear well- lets take a minute to rember what is really important and why we should be doing what we do.

If we have a chance of survival in the future we must know where we have come from and learn from our experience so that we can avoide the mistakes of the past as we deal with the future.


Stepping down from the horse now

RIP Frank Buckles- Last surviving American veteran of the "War to End All Wars"

Steve S

Last edited by Steve S on Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:32 am, edited 1 time in total.

[mustangdriver]

That couldn't be said any better.

[whistlingdeath77]

god bless him

[agent86]

The Oscars and the cool comercials are more important to people these days,sad but true. we have become brainless supporters of the big corporations.

[Django]

Godspeed sir.

[The Inspector]

It's sad when things like his passing get bumped so the low information, short attention span types can see what's the latest with Crackboy Charlie Sheen. His death did make the bottom of the screen 'crawl' on my local NBC affiliates morning newscast, so it was noted in the Seattle metro area.
What's the old line about 'those who don't study history.................'

[whistlingdeath77]

this world revolves around one thing.......MONEY

[michaelharadon]

It got a little better today: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/28/the-b ... -doughboy/

[whistlingdeath77]

it should be made aware of on the today show. But their too busy seeing who wore what at the Oscars.

[daveymac82c]

It is sad to see his passing. What an amazing age he lived to. Here in Canada we lost our last WWI veteran last year, or maybe it was the year before that.

In any case, I bet you could count the WWI survivors on one or two hands now.

Peace,

David M

[Nathan]

[whistlingdeath77]

there may not be any left

[Hemiman]

There's only 2 surviving WW1 vets. Both British, one was a Naval seaman, and the other is a woman who served in the Woman's Royal Air Force.

Bill

[whistlingdeath77]

There's only 2 surviving WW1 vets. Both British, one was a Naval seaman, and the other is a woman who served in the Woman's Royal Air Force.

Bill

thanks bill

[agent86]

The last civil war vet died in I think 1955,.we should all be so lucky to live for 110 yrs.some people claim they dont want to get old.I'm willing to find out for myself