WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), co-chair of the Military Veterans Caucus, sent a bipartisan letter urging House Speaker John Boehner to allow Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.

Although public viewings in the Rotunda have largely been limited to elected officials and distinguished military figures, Rep. Thompson and his colleagues, Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), support making an exception for Buckles.

“It’s important to let Mr. Buckles lie in honor not only because of who he was, but what he represents,” said Rep. Thompson. “Mr. Buckles was a living link between America’s past and present – an important reminder of the service and sacrifice of nearly 5 million American World War I veterans. Allowing Mr. Buckles to lie in honor would be a fitting tribute to an entire generation of American war heroes and their families.”

In November 2008, students and teachers from St. Helena High School traveled to West Virginia, Buckles’ home state, to interview the World War I veteran. The interview was filmed, transcribed and is now featured in the high school’s World War I History Museum. The Library of Congress has also featured the interview in its Veterans History Project collection.

In his letter, Rep. Thompson asks Speaker Boehner to support one of two pieces of legislation that would allow Mr. Buckles to lie in honor in the Capitol: H. Con. Res. 20 or H. Con. Res. 23.

Neither bill has been scheduled for a vote on the House floor.

A full copy of Rep. Thompson’s letter to Speaker Boehner is below.

 

The Honorable John A. Boehner

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

As the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Military Veterans Caucus, we urge you to bring H. Con. Res. 20 or H. Con. Res. 23 to the floor for an immediate vote. These important pieces of legislation would authorize the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol to honor Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving United States veteran of the First World War, who died at the age of 110 on February 27th, 2011.

The recognition sought by these House Resolutions is reserved for very select American patriots. Only 30 times since 1852, have prominent Americans have been honored in this way. The Unknown Soldier from World War I was among those recognized by lying in honor in the Rotunda of the Capital, and it is our opinion that the nearly 5 million brave Americans who served in World War 1 deserve the same recognition. This is our last chance to properly thank all these brave Americans and their families for their sacrifices, by allowing Frank Buckles, the last living American doughboy, to lie in each of their honor in the Capitol Rotunda.

Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chairs of the Military Veterans Caucus we urge you to bring up H. Con. Res. 20 or H. Con. Res. 23 for an immediate vote.

Sincerely,

Mike Thompson, Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis, Member of Congress

Collin Peterson, Member of Congress