Veterans Day: America's First Without Any World War I Survivors And A Salute To The World's Last Service Member Of The Great War, Florence Green

All across the United States Of America, citizens and service members alike paused to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women in uniform. This year's Veterans Day is different from any other America has ever had. It is the first without any Veterans of World War I. Last Doughboy Frank Woodruff Buckles passed away on February 27 of this year. The United States Of America is now without a single witness to what was once called the War To End All Wars.

This blog entry features photographs and videos of Frank Buckles' Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery held on March 15, 2011: http://michael-the-researcher.blogspot.com/2011/03/frank-buckles-viewing-and-funeral-at.html

This blog entry describes my meeting with Frank Buckles on January 25, 2009: http://michael-the-researcher.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-108th-birthday-to-frank-woodruff.html

Veterans Day aka Armistice Day aka Remembrance Day was specifically made for honoring Veterans of World War I. It has been said that more than 70 million military personnel were involved in the conflict. Of that number, only one Great War Veteran remains ... a mess steward of the Women’s Royal Air Force named Florence Green. Florence is 110 years old and lives in Britain. In 2011, she is planet Earth's only physical living link to World War I. Florence Green is truly "The Last Of The Last". I am surprised British authorities did not ask her to take part in the Cenotaph Ceremony today.

Here are two links discussing Florence Green (with photographs) ...

http://www.orderfirstworldwar.com/the-salient/2011/06/florence-beatrice-green-last-veteran-of-world-war-i.htm

http://legionlive.org.uk/2011/02/21/florence-green-first-world-war-veteran-celebrates-110th-birthday/comment-page-1

Note: The Planet's other surviving World War I Veteran at the start of 2011, Claude Choules, passed away on May 5 of this year. He served in the British Army during the conflict and later emigrated to Australia. More information can be found here: http://michael-the-researcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/claude-choules-absolute-last-combat.html

Finally, I would like to give a very special thank you to all who have served.