BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet

Subject: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 10:23 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) -- West Virginia's two Democratic senators blamed House Speaker John Boehner on Thursday after their hopes of having the remains of World War I veteran Frank Buckles honored in the Capitol Rotunda were dashed, at least for now.

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin III both released statements saying the Ohio Republican had blocked the Capitol honor. Asked if that were true, Boehner spokesman Mike Steel said the speaker and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., would seek Defense Department permission for a ceremony for Buckles at Arlington National Cemetery.

Buckles died Sunday on his farm in Charles Town, W.Va., at the age of 110. He had been the last surviving American veteran of World War I.

The episode turned what West Virginia lawmakers had hoped would be easy approval for the rare honor for Buckles into a finger-pointing dispute with partisan overtones.

It was unclear late Thursday how the disagreement would end. Asked whether Boehner would be supportive if the Senate approved a resolution allowing Buckles' remains to lie in the Rotunda, Steel said, "We'll see what the Senate does."

The honor requires a congressional resolution or the approval of congressional leaders, according to the office of the architect of the Capitol.

The bodies of prominent citizens have been displayed in the Rotunda on 30 occasions, starting in 1852 with Henry Clay, a Kentucky senator and congressman. Others include President Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, unknown soldiers from America's wars and civil rights hero Rosa Parks.

Steel said Boehner and Reid will ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to allow a memorial service for Buckles at Arlington National Cemetery in nearby Arlington, Va., "surrounded by honored veterans of every American war."

Reid spokesman Jon Summers said Reid and Boehner were "discussing alternatives." Summers would provide no additional detail.

Members of both parties of West Virginia's congressional delegation had introduced resolutions to permit Buckles' casket to be honored in the Capitol. The House version was sponsored by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

In his statement, Rockefeller called the dispute "a big disappointment and a surprising decision by the speaker."

Manchin said, "I urge Speaker Boehner to reconsider this ill-advised decision. After all, there won't be another request like this.

Rockefeller spokesman Vince Morris said lawmakers expected the resolution to "sail through" Congress this week.

"We're kind of in a standoff," Morris said. "We're upset."

Were Buckles granted the honor, he would be considered to "lain in honor." The term "lain in state" is traditionally reserved for elected U.S. officials or military officers, according to the office of the clerk of the House.

In his final years, Buckles had campaigned for greater recognition for the 4.7 million Americans who joined the military in 1917 and 1918 during World War I. Among his goals was a national memorial in Washington for those who served in that conflict.

President Barack Obama has ordered that flags on U.S. government buildings fly at half-staff on the day Buckles is buried. His family has said they plan to inter him at Arlington, just across the Potomac River from the capital.

Buckles enlisted at age of 16 after lying about his age. He served in England and France, mostly as a driver and warehouse clerk. After the war ended, he helped repatriate German prisoners of war, returning to the U.S. in January 1920.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: artbrooks
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 11:52 PM

I hate politicians.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: Janie
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 12:02 AM

It is simply wrong to let this turn into something political.

Does the Senate leadership not understand that it is a generation that would "lay in honor," represented by the body of Mr. Buckles?

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 01:06 AM

Excuse me, but while I honor the service of Mr. Buckles, being long-lived seems not to be a proper qualifier for lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. That particular honor, it seems to me, should be reserved for the likes of Presidents, and other special governmental heroes.

Being honored and buried at Arlington Cemetery, if that is what happens, is not exactly chopped liver, and is entirely appropriate.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 10:56 AM

Is the generation that fought WW1 to be less honored than that which fought for Civil Rights? Or than the Unknowns from the various wars? This isn't about one man, but about a generation.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: Charmion
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 11:02 AM

Any word on what the deceased himself considered appropriate? The last Canadian veteran of the Great War specifically requested a family funeral with no official shenanigans, and got just that.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: LadyJean
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:54 AM

I just despise that witless weeper Boehner. Anything that puts egg on his face makes my heart sing.

Subject: RE: BS: So Much For Our 'Heroes' -- WW1 Vet
From: InOBU
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 10:46 PM

WE are not simply laying an individual to rest, but a generation, who, may have been nieve, but gave their all. As an individual, he also gave a lot, in the second war, he was a civilian prisoner of the Japanese, captured as a merchant sailor. Some times, it is right to remember the common man and woman, after all, this is a great democracy.
He was a fellow worth honnoring. He was quiet a wit. He was overheard by a family member telling the secret to long life, the other day... "when you feel like you are going to die, don't."
I for one, whould like to see him given the highest honnors for a generation who should be remembered.