We stand some 5 years from the centennial of the beginning of World War I, and WWI vet Frank Buckles may be around to commemorate it.
He is (incredibly) one of 2 remaining WWI survivors who certifiably served in the US forces in the first ‘Great War’. Our brave 2 join some 21 other surviving service members around the world who are still with us today.
It’s incredible to consider that these people are still with us today, and perhaps one of the reasons they are is that many of them were extremely young when they served. For instance, Harry Landis was eighteen when he signed up for service. While he never saw combat in World War I (having signed up near the end of the conflict), he did attempt to enlist again in 1941 in order to fight in World War II and was rejected as being too old.
Frank Buckles himself was only sixteen when he joined the United States war effort after lying about his age. He was turned down several times and finally was able to join in 1917, though he also never actually saw combat. He was later captured by the Japanese during World War II and held for more than three years.
Harry Patch, who is currently 110 years old, won seven medals for his service with the British Armed Forces during World War I. Echoing sentiments expressed often in recent years, he has stated “Too many died. War isn’t worth one life”.
World War I
Fought from 1914 to 1918, World War I was a major conflict that drew nearly the entire planet into the fray before it was over and left nearly ten million dead and another twenty million wounded. But despite seeming like ancient history, World War I is still very much a memory for between 23 and 34 people living today.
Stats
23 living people today have verifiably served during World War 1. Seven more men served after the Armistice or in other conflicts during the time period (like the Russian revolution), and four more people claim to have served but cannot fully verify their service. Breaking it down in terms of country, there are
•Three veterans in Australia
•One in Canada
•Four in France
•Two in Germany
•Four in Italy
•One in Poland
•One in Turkey
•Three in the United Kingdom
•Four total, 2 official service members, in the United States
Recap
While it is, at first thought, incredible that there are still survivors of the first World War amongst us, these amazing men and women should be appreciated for the incredible glimpse they offer into a facet of our history.
But moreover, they should be lauded for their sacrifice and bravery in the face of what was, no doubt, an incredibly difficult struggle. A salute to Frank and to all from You Served!
Mr. Buckles lives just a few minutes from our radio station on a farm his daughter and son-in-law operate. Mr. Buckles gave up the plow eight years ago – when he turned 100. He still gives a great interview and is quick with a smile. Last year, at age 107, he flew to South Dakota to be at Mt. Rushmore for July 4th. West Virginia has named Route 9, the highway that runs past his farm, in his honor. He was honored at the U.S. Capitol, as well, and someone noted Mr. Buckles was the only one in the room who was old enough to be Senator Robert C. Byrd’s father.