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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Speaker Boehner & Harry Reid, Allow Frank Buckles Into the Rotunda

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  March 4th, 2011 at 02:23 PM  | 

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[UPDATED:] Press reports this evening indicate that Senator Harry Reid is siding with John Boehner on this. The post has been updated to reflect that.

I think Speaker John Boehner and Harry Reid are making a terrible mistake.

The Speaker’s Office and the Senate Majority Leader are blocking a request that Frank Buckles be allowed to lie in state (or in honor as the case may be) in the rotunda of the United States Capitol.

Frank Buckles is not just anybody. I agree that we should not let just anybody lie in state in the rotunda. I totally understand Harry Reid and John Boehner’s reasoning. The right should be reserved for a very special few. While I understand his reasoning, I think the last of the WWI and the last of the WWII servicemen should be given the honor.

Frank Buckles is not just a special few. He is the last of his kind. The very last.

Precisely 4,734,991 Americans served in World War I. Frank Buckles was the last of them to die. He lied to get into the Army at age 16 so he could fight the Kaiser. He is the last of a generation of Americans who heard the calling for freedom in a way other did not and rose up to fight.

He is the last of those men and boys who fought under an American flag across an ocean in a land most had never been who did so not because we were attacked or brought into a war, as we were in World War II, but because they heard the call of freedom in the first great war.

He, as the last of the embodiment of the men and boys who heard that first call for freedom across the seas, deserves to lie in the Rotunda.

The Speaker may be reached at (202) 225-0600. Harry Reid may be reached at (202) 224-3542.

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COMMENTS

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  • http://joshuatrevino.com Joshua Trevino

    Frank Buckles lived a remarkable life. He is being honored at the amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery — a high honor for a non-combat veteran, but one that fits with Buckles’s symbolism. That is a tremendous privilege for any American.

    In the modern era, a single veteran of each major war lies in state at the US Capitol Rotunda, to symbolize the sacrifices of our armed forces in that war. Traditionally, that veteran has been the war’s Unknown Soldier.

    The Unknown Soldier of the Great War lay in state at the United States Capitol in 1921. He symbolized Frank Buckles, his millions of peers who served, the thousands who died for freedom, and the entire generation who fought and won against Germany in 1917-1918.

    We honor Frank Buckles — at Arlington Cemetery. The lying-in-state for his war and his generation, though, is already done.

  • fpete13527

    Thanks for writing about this.
    Calling Boehner and my Congessmen now

  • http://www.erickerickson.org Erick Erickson

    But my disagreement is largely philosophical.

    We live in an age when every headline of every newspaper is about the decline of the United States. We forget what a nation we are and what a nation we were and the sacrifices we made outside our border.

    Frank Buckles is a strong symbol of that as the last of the WWI generation.

    We allowed Rosa Parks. We allowed the Capitol officers. We should allow Frank Buckles.

  • http://www.itsaboutliberty.com IronDioPriest

    …I can understand how he arrived at his decision. But sometimes doing what makes sense and doing what’s right can be different – especially when the sensitivities and symbolism are as acutely present as they are here.

    No need for unforced errors here Mr. Boehner. Do the right thing – the easy thing in fact – and honor Frank Buckles in every way you know how, with whatever resources you have available as Speaker of the House.

  • http://www.erickerickson.org Erick Erickson

    But I disagree with him. Buckles is the last of the 4,734,991 Americans who fought in World War I. We remember them by remembering him.

  • http://joshuatrevino.com Joshua Trevino

    The only three to “lie in honor” rather than lie in state there. Rosa Parks personally affected American history in a major way; and the officers personally defended the Capitol where they lay, at the cost of their lives.

    Frank Buckles doesn’t meet either standard. If we wanted someone inspiring for the sake of inspiration, the recently deceased veteran for that was MAJ Dick Winters.

    I’m simply not comfortable with the implication that Arlington Cemetery(!) is somehow insufficient.

  • http://www.itsaboutliberty.com IronDioPriest

    As the WWI & WWII generations pass into history, we lose a direct link to the generations that stood in the gap for American values unlike any generations have since them. Even if honoring Frank Buckles in the rotunda is a symbolic gesture, it is significant enough symbolism to merit the gesture.

    Like Joshua Trevino above, I wouldn’t be comfortable with an implication that Arlington Cemetery is insufficient – if that were the implication. But I don’t think it is. Rather, I think the implication is that the passing of the last remaining WWI vet is a significant enough event to merit lying in state in the Capitol rotunda. That doesn’t demean Arlington. It elevates WWI vets, and Frank Buckles passing as the symbolic passing of that generation.

  • shadowtax

    Let him be honored in Arlington National Cemetary where so many others have gone before him.

    So so a Senator and a Congressman want him honored in the Capitol Rotunda. Anybody reporting the wishes of his family?

    Frank Buckles is a representative of our First World War armed forces. But he was also a man with his own unique dignity, as was every other WWI veteran, as is every human life. I would hate to see him reduced to the level of a symbol or worse yet a political prop.

    Speaker said no. Frank Buckles will be honored elsewhere. That’s good enough for me.

  • unclefred

    We disagree only on how.

    My perspective that the rotunda political, a ceremony at the amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery is a far more appropriate remembrance for a member of the military.

    Arlington is truly sacred ground, let him be remember there among the so very many who sacrificed so much that we may still live free today.

  • WarEagle01

    but it seems like the Buckles family prefers the rotunda. This is an unforced error on Boehner’s part.

  • TiagoSF

    Red State and Daily Kos both have posts on this issue in 100% agreement with each other. Didn’t know it was possible but glad to see it.

  • http://www.MuskogeePolitico.com jamisonfaught

    Frank Buckles symbolizes so much more than the man himself. He is the last of an era, the last of millions of Americans who sacrificed for freedom (in many cases with their very lives).

    He should be honored for his sake, and for the sake of our forefathers who went through terrible horrors in Europe. Let him lie in honor in the Rotunda, as a representation of a generation now passed on. Let him be buried at Arlington* with honor.

    May we never forget the Doughboys of 1917 and 1918.

    I called the Speaker’s office.

    * lest we forget, that took some fighting to allow him to be buried there.

  • Bill S

    I considered posting a ref to the DKos piece on the same topic. Their diarist got it 100% right.

  • silentcal2012

    I may have to visit that wretched place for a moment.

  • smitch61

    Thanks for the heads up, I believe that is the least we can do. An honor deserved.

  • Carolyne

    Not why Boehner objects, I agree that Arlington, especially a special ceremony is the proper and most respectful venue. I think the politicos want a spectacle at the Rotunda. What I wonder is what or why the family has requested.

  • airfredd22

    I am torn by the comments regarding Frank Buckles lying in State at the Capitol Rotunda or a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.

    The politicians need to be reminded of the service of millions of soldiers during World War I, the “War to end all Wars.” At the same time I wonder if those politicians deserve the honor of having this last survivor to be placed among them.

    Perhaps, to let him be remembered and honored at Arlington is the right thing to do.

    Fred Speckmann
    commonsenseforamericans@yahoo.com

  • conservativecurmudgeon

    …a repose in the Rotounda is certainly good enought for Frank Woodruff Buckles.

    But, I find I am truly conflicted on this… What would Frank himself say? I suspect he wouldn’t want so much fuss made over him, and that the ones that deserve the honor lay under the poppies in Flander’s Field.

    In my view, the time to have truly honored and remembered him, in a national sense was on Veteran’s Day last, when he was still very much with us. I wrote a RedState diary about him then, and I hope I added somewhat to the gentle call to remember him, and all the other Soldiers of the Great War, now that they were all almost gone…

    I am remimded of something my Dad said, when his best friend died a number of years ago. The friend lived out in Palm Springs, and Dad wanted to visit him a number of times, but, Mom was against it for a variety of reasons. Then, when he died, Mom wanted very much to buy plane tickets, and get to the funeral.

    “What the heck for?” Dad said, “We didn’t bother seeing him when he was alive, why should we bother now that he’s dead?”

    It would be a tremendous honor, though, for Mr. Buckles, and an extremely moving and important remembrance for the nation. Yes, in quiet consideration, I think I will contact the Speaker.

  • traversecityconservative

    And at the risk of being called a racist, what Rosa Parks did was a significant part of history, yes, but she did it for herself and for other black people. Frank Buckles was a soldier – what he did was for EVERY American. So if it was acceptable for Rosa Parks to be there, then the same rules should apply for Buckles. It would be an honorable salute and thank you to every soldier of World War I.

  • romeg

    I am conflicted. Had someone with a less compelling story been the last man standing would we be taking a similar stand on his behalf? Somehow I doubt it.

    But to say that Rosa Parks did what she did merely for herself I think diminishes her and the importance of that even in the meanest of ways. Ultimately, we all do whatever it is we do for ourselves. Altruism is a very slippery and ethereal substance. Even Mother Theresa derived some sense of personal satisfaction from her work.

    It is not what Rosa Parks did for herself on that day in Montgomery. It is what that singular and, possibly selfish act initiated and culminated in that makes her worthy of the honor. Hers was a singular act of heroism. She led the way and inspired others to follow.

  • Duke

    What’s the price of having the last soldier from the First World War lie in repose in the rotunda of the capitol of our nation as a commemoration of the passing of the final remnant of our engagement in the “War to end all Wars?” Considering the things our government spends precious resources to laud and honor I suggest the cost is negligible. This is not about honoring Corporal Frank Buckles, it’s about saying goodbye to an era.

    I served in Vietnam, and during that service saw some of my friends die only a few feet away from me. They’ve long ago been rendered honors and placed in eternal repose alongside the likes of Corporal Buckles. No doubt someday I too will join them. And a day will come when the last of us who served our country in Vietnam will troop down the neverending trail of time. I would hope that the last of us would be allowed to wave a final farewell on behalf of all of us. I wonder, over the past 90 years, how many doughboys have said the same thing.

  • libertasinfinitio

    If people are making the assertion that Rosa Parks actions are more important than the contribution of Frank Buckles and his generation to the betterment of America, I am not in agreement with that sentiment. Without the contributions of Frank Buckles and his generation, we would not have a nation where Rosa Parks may even be free, let alone alive.

    I think the decision not to allow him onto the Capitol says more (or less) about Congress than it does about Frank. Frank will be honored at Arlington, regardless if he goes via Capitol Hill or not, his honor stands intact. The latter cannot be said of Congress.

  • pacificrk

    This man will be missed with heavy hearts in my local town in Oregon. It has been an honor and a privilege to acknowledge Mr. Buckles as a member of VUMS (Veterans of Underage Military Service), and the only living American Veteran of WWI, at our 2009 & 2010 “Not In Vain” Memorial Day public events in the park in our local town of Hillsboro, OR. They have been honored with patriotic and military music, speakers, pomp and circumstance, and given the privilege to speak themselves. They all have spoken with passion and the utmost respect, honor, and admiration of their VUMS comrade, Frank Buckles.

    Oregon Tea Party, Oregon 912 Project, and Americans For Prosperity-Oregon have supported a few of us gals in our local town of Hilllsboro, that wanted to gather the public together in an open park, and honor all Veterans, but especially Members of VUMS, who have received honorable mention for their willingness to serve our nation before they were of age, including Frank Buckles. Farewell Mr. Buckles, Sir!

    Mr. Buckles’ story, along with a collection of hundreds of others who chose to join the 6 Branches of U.S. Armed Forces before the minimum age of enlistment (and were later forgiven), can be found in a 3-edition book series entitled: “America’s Youngest Warriors”. The latest edition has been donated to our local library by an honorable member of VUMS, who holds Frank Buckles in high esteem.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Bucklesttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buckles
    http://www.military.com/news/article/frank-buckles-last-us-wwi-vet-dies-at-110.html

  • pacificrk

    Frank Buckles holds a place in my heart, and in my town. Please see my comment below…

  • theduck6

    did not refuse to sit in the rear out of tired feet or frustration. History has shown it was a planned, calculated (brilliantly, I might add) strategy. If she (and she did) deserve this, so does Mr Buckles. I do not easily discard traditions, prorocol and standards for the sake of making a warm fuzzy warmer or fuzzier but the last of such a large group we hold is such esteem doesn’t seem a stretch at all.

  • goodforall

    I am so glad someone finally said it! Nothing against Rosa Parks, but it was so over hyped due to our obsession with proping up black people. This man did far more for the Counrty and deserves to be honored.

  • goodforall

    I am so glad someone finally said it! Nothing against Rosa Parks, but it was so over hyped due to our obsession with proping up black people. This man did far more for the Counrty and deserves to be honored.

  • tex41lb

    Were I he, I would prefer to lie with honor among the honored veterans of my era. To be placed in the home of scalawag and riff-raff now occupying congress would be to dishonor me. I support Arlington for that reason.

  • minncon

    If we’ve already established precedent that private citizens of worthy note can be honored in this way, then the last surviving veteran of WWI deserves the honor.

    Or is problem that 1) he is not a victim of society (I could argue that he was), 2) he’s not the right color (something that should not matter), or 3) has not yet been elevated to god-like status by the celebrity machine (he should be and will be if we do this), or… 4) that he represents WAR (oooo… bad, bad, evil, evil)?

    C’mon you Washington bums. No to do this is yet another slap to American veterans. There is simply no reason not to, and every reason it should be done.

    Another disconnect between Washington and the rest of America.

    With each day I become more certain that I did the right thing writing on my diary the post headlined: “Anybody But Boehner.” The man is not leadership material.

  • minncon

    Your headline reads like Boehner and Reid are allowing Buckles into the Rotunda… You should use a colon, not a comma. It should read:

    “Speaker Boehner & Harry Reid: Allow Frank Buckles Into the Rotunda”

    This and the use of the Flashing Light looks like some new has happened, specifically, Reid and Boehner have reversed their positions.

  • http://www.twitter.com/RS_yoyo yoyo

    I need to re-read Revelations. I am sure that this is one of the last signs of the End-Times. DKos and RS in agreement.

    In reference to DKos – as my grandfather used to say, “The sun shines on a dog’s, er, butt every once in a while.”

    The old “stopped clock” analogy just doesn’t do DKos justice.

  • annplato

    obviously disagree regarding Frank Buckles (God rest his soul), this would be just another reason for a skirmish. I’d suggest that Republicans choose their battles carefully. Personally I think the amphitheater at Arlington cemetery is an appropriate place to honor the last of a war generation.

  • soljerblue

    I cannot add to his reasoning here, except to say that — for me — it would be a dubious honor indeed to lie in state among a bunch of political hacks.

  • http://www.yankeeairpirate.com Pterodactyl33

    It’s not only rare and odd that the Daily Kos would be found to be in agreement with Red State, it should trigger klaxons, star cluster flares and a big red flag with the bold question: “WTF?” emblazoned on it. I’m with other posters here who would feel that honoring Frank Buckles at Arlington alongside his Band of Brothers is MUCH more fitting than to allow him to be used as a political prop in that ethical cesspool called the Rotunda. Red State and Daily Kos exist in parallel universe world views. If you, Erick, find yourself in agreement with a socialist-fascist-Marxist outfit like Daily Kos, it’s signal enough to re-check the calibration on your own moral compass.

  • minncon

    In researching this, it seems as though this really IS an “unforced error,” as someone else has mentioned.

    - It should be made clear that there are TWO different types of Rotunda honors:

    1) “Lying In State” is to lay on the pedestal built for the display of Abraham Lincoln’s body, in the center of the Rotunda, with 24-hour military guard. To date, this has been done only for Presidents, VPs, Senators, Congressmen and US Generals and top military leaders. It’s also already been done to honor the “Unknown Soldiers” for WWI, WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. So maybe it WOULD be inappropriate to honor Mr. Buckles in this way, since the WWI vets have already been saluted in this fashion.

    But…

    2) “Lying In Honor” is the other option. It means to also lay in the Capitol Rotunda (probably not on the Lincoln catafalque, I’m guessing) but the honor guard is provided by the Capitol Police or “other suitable source.” This was the honor afforded Rosa Parks and the two Capitol policemen. So I’m not sure I see a problem with “Lying in Honor” for Mr. Buckles, as the last of his kind. The precedent has been established for an individual civilian honor (Mrs. Parks and the policemen) so what’s the problem extending it to Mr. Buckles?

    The more one learns about it, the DUMBER this decision gets!