WASHINGTON — The longest-living American to serve in World War I survived war and three years in Japanese prison camps during World War II, but in death he couldn’t escape politics.
Nearly a week after Frank Buckles died at the age of 110, politicians Friday were at odds over how best to honor him and the 4.7 million Americans who served during World War I.
Lawmakers from Buckles’ home state of West Virginia want his remains to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. House and Senate leaders have resisted that idea.
Talks were still going on in the Senate about a resolution, but the indecision was frustrating Buckles’ family.
“The leadership of Congress is standing in the way” of a Rotunda ceremony, said David DeJonge, Buckles’ biographer and the family spokesman.
Buckles will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
