The Last WWI Doughboy

final survivor of WWI

The last doughboy has been reunited

with his comrades who served so long ago.

Some died young, their bodies buried

in graveyards across the free countries of Europe.

Others who came home and lived to be old men.

All, all are gone now.

 

Frank Buckles was the last survivor;

he was one hundred and ten years old.

Born in 1901,

he lied about his age in 1917,

so he could enlist in the military.

He spent World War One

driving ambulances in Germany.

 

He served again in World War Two,

his time in this war

included three and a half years

in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

 

Frank Buckles came home,

and spent his later years

trying to get a monument

to honor those who served in WWI;

in Washington D.C,

our Nation's capitol.

 

Today is the last day of February,

in the year of 2011;

Frank Buckles,

the last doughboy

died today,

peacefully

in his sleep.

 

Rest in Peace, Sir.