We say farewell to Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known American veteran of World War I. Buckles died at age 110 on February 28 at his home in West Virginia. Born in Missouri, Buckles lied about his age to enlist in the army. He served in England, France and Germany. Asked how it felt to be the last living veteran of the conflict, he said in 2008 interview, "I realized that somebody had to be, and it was me." Buckles devoted the last years of his life to promoting the establishment of a World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Buckles' daughter did her utmost to keep her father in his own home until the end. He exhausted his life savings, and his daughter says that his home health care and other medical expenses topped $120,000 annually.
Watch a video interview with Buckles from the Veterans History Project. Learn more about long-term care aid and attendance benefits for Veterans.
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