At the age of 17, only a year after the United States entered World War I, Buckles lied about his age and joined the US Army.  Buckles volunteered as an ambulance driver and was sent to France where he found the suffering of the French people disturbing.  In a 2001 interview for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Buckles said, “’The little French children were hungry….To me, that was a pretty sad sight,’” demonstrating his compassion for those living in the midst of the Great War.  During his time in France, he also escorted German prisoners of war back to their homeland after the signing of the Armistice. 

After the war, Buckles held various positions with shipping and steamship companies and was assigned to locations throughout the world.  During World War II, he was working as a civilian in Manila and was captured by the Japanese and held for 39 months in a prisoner of war camp.  In the mid-1950s, Buckles settled in Charles Town, West Virginia where he owned and ran a cattle farm.  Buckles remained quite active until his death.  Aside from maintaining his farm (he continued to drive his tractor until the age of 106), he advocated for a suitable memorial in Washington, DC to commemorate the sacrifices of those with whom he served in World War I.

In March 2008, Buckles visited the nation’s capital and was disturbed by the condition in which he found the World War I memorial.  The monument was dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives during World War I.  At the time of Buckles’ visit, no national memorial was in place for all World War I veterans.  Buckles made it his personal mission to change this.  After gaining the support of Senators John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Jim Webb (D-VA), and John Thune (D-SD), Buckles testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks in December 2009 in support of Senate Bill 2097, the Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act.  The act was passed and work began at a furious rate in hopes of completing the restoration project before Buckles’ death (Buckles was 108 when the bill was passed). 

Though the restoration continues and Buckles will not be able to see the product of his work to memorialize the efforts of World War I veterans, his efforts will not soon be forgotten by the descendents of those who served in The Great War.  Frank Buckles lived a long and remarkable life.  Even as he approached 100 years old, he continued to make public appearances in an attempt to keep the memory of those who sacrificed everything during World War I alive in the minds of a generation who may otherwise never have a firsthand account of that time.   To read about Frank Buckles’ life in his own words, visit his website.  Frank Buckles was a humble man, typical of many who risked their lives or sacrificed their lives to enhance our freedoms.  We will try to do our part to follow his initiatives to recognize the veterans of World War I. 

Over the next several decades, Armistice Day was celebrated as a day to honor those who served in World War I.  Upon its conclusion, many referred to World War I as “The Great War,” believing that as horrific as it was, there was no chance that the world would see such a monumental conflict again.  As the United States found itself in the throes of World War II, it became evident that “The Great War” was soon to be undermined by the shocking events and total devastation of World War II.  Americans began to understand the importance of honoring all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

Al King, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner became the champion of changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day and after garnering much local support, Mr. King presented his idea to then Kansas Representative Ed Rees.  On May 26, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill officially changing Armistice Day to “All Veterans Day.”  Congress amended the act in November to simplify the name to Veterans Day. 

Since the conclusion of World War II, America has found itself in the midst of conflict with several nations.  From Korea to Vietnam to today’s War on Terror, American servicemen and women have served our country valiantly and honorably.  Without their heroism the American way of life that we cherish would not be possible.  Many organizations devote their resources to helping veterans.  The Military Order of the Purple Heart is one of the most well-known of these groups.  By accepting donations of household goods, including vehicles, the organization is able to raise funds to promote the physical and mental rehabilitation of combat-wounded soldiers.  Project Healing Waters is an organization that has approached their mission of assisting in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans in a creative way; the organization “serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled…by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation.”  These are just two of many organizations dedicated to provide a service in gratitude to the heroes of our nation.

At APUS, where the majority of our students are affiliated with the military, we recognize and honor the tremendous commitment and sacrifice made by our nation’s military.  Today, veterans, we honor you and your commitment and sacrifice to our country.  Thank you for all you’ve done.