Statement on the Death of Frank W. Buckles

Michelle and I were inspired by the service and life story of former Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I and the oldest known World War I era veteran in the world, who passed away yesterday at the age of 110. A decorated soldier in the Great War, he also survived more than 3 years in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War.

Frank Buckles lived the American century. Like so many veterans, he returned home, continued his education, began a career, and along with his late wife Audrey, raised their daughter Susannah. And just as Frank continued to serve America until his passing, as the honorary chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, our Nation has a sacred obligation to always serve our veterans and their families as well as they've served us.

We join Susannah and all those who knew and loved her father in celebrating a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans.