Last WWI Survivor Champions Veterans' Memorial
108-year-old Frank Buckles was only 16 years old when he joined the Army, and he went on to participate in both World Wars.
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December 8, 2009
Frank Buckles was only 16 years old when he joined the Army, and he went on to participate in both World Wars. During that time, he suffered capture by the Japanese in 1942 and spent three years in a prison camp. Despite these experiences, he is thriving at the age of 108 and remains busy working to promote the rededication of an old World War I memorial in the nation's capital.
Born in 1901, Buckles is an honorary chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation and takes his responsibility seriously, saying "I have to [advocate for the memorial] because I'm the last living member of Americans who fought in what at the time was called The Great War," quoted by CNN.
Earlier this month, the venerable survivor appeared before lawmakers in Washington to make a case for restoring the monument on the National Mall, and met with senators and well-wishers before the hearing, according to the news source.
The Census Bureau estimates that nearly 36 million Americans are 65 or older.
Although secrets to good health and longevity vary from person to person, experts agree that physical activity, proper diet and low alcohol consumption may be key to a long and healthy life.
In addition, many people who reach venerable age and report high personal satisfaction confirm the importance of a trusted network of friends, strong family relationships and a satisfying career path.
Individuals who would like to learn more about how to thrive in old age may consult the National Council on Aging which accepts donations towards improving the lives of seniors in America.
Frank Buckles was only 16 years old when he joined the Army, and he went on to participate in both World Wars. During that time, he suffered capture by the Japanese in 1942 and spent three years in a prison camp. Despite these experiences, he is thriving at the age of 108 and remains busy working to promote the rededication of an old World War I memorial in the nation's capital.
Born in 1901, Buckles is an honorary chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation and takes his responsibility seriously, saying "I have to [advocate for the memorial] because I'm the last living member of Americans who fought in what at the time was called The Great War," quoted by CNN.
Earlier this month, the venerable survivor appeared before lawmakers in Washington to make a case for restoring the monument on the National Mall, and met with senators and well-wishers before the hearing, according to the news source.
The Census Bureau estimates that nearly 36 million Americans are 65 or older.
Although secrets to good health and longevity vary from person to person, experts agree that physical activity, proper diet and low alcohol consumption may be key to a long and healthy life.
In addition, many people who reach venerable age and report high personal satisfaction confirm the importance of a trusted network of friends, strong family relationships and a satisfying career path.
Individuals who would like to learn more about how to thrive in old age may consult the National Council on Aging which accepts donations towards improving the lives of seniors in America.
