A resolution relating to the death of Frank W. Buckles, the longest surviving United States veteran of the First World War.

Mr. President, today I want to honor the passing of America's last surviving veteran of the First World War, Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles. It is important that we as a nation express our deep appreciation for the sacrifices that Mr. Buckles and his brothers-in- arms endured for our country nearly a century ago. Men like Frank have fought in numerous battles in the defense of this Nation and have made sure that we as Americans are able to enjoy the quality of life that we so cherish.

Mr. Buckles witnessed the world change dramatically throughout his lifetime and had experiences that most of us can only dream about. He saw the metamorphosis that defined the American social and cultural revolutions of the last century. As a young man, he served in the Army's ambulance corps in France and Germany, where he evacuated wounded soldiers from the battlefield. As a civilian during the Second World War, he spent more than three years in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines.

As a tribute to Mr. Buckles and for all the World War I veterans that he represents, we must remember all of his brothers and sisters who defended our country along with him. Nearly 4.5 million U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines joined forces with over 37 million Allied soldiers to defeat the Central Powers. These service members witnessed atrocities such as gas warfare that were unprecedented at the time. Each and every one of them made their own significant contribution to the war effort that cannot be understated. This generation of dynamic and dedicated Americans was able to alter the course of history for the betterment of each and every one of us here today.

As a tribute to Mr. Buckles, I have introduced a bipartisan resolution so he can lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda on March 14 to allow the American people to properly pay their respects. To further honor his generations' sacrifices, Mr. Frank Buckles will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. President Obama has ordered all flags flown over government buildings be flown at half- mast on this day as we mourn the loss of a citizen and a generation who will forever hold a place in our nation's history.

I want to conclude by offering my deepest sympathies to Mr. Buckles' daughter, Susannah Buckles Flanagan. She has been the loving daughter at his side in recent years taking such good care of him which allowed him to live at home in dignity, surrounded by family and friends.

As America's longest surviving veteran of World War I, Frank Buckles represented our final link to a generation that built a legacy as the defenders of the free world in the first large scale global conflict. I can promise you that his legacy and the legacy of all veterans will live on forever in the ideals and values that make America the strongest nation in the world.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to S. Res. 89.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to the measure be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I had the good fortune a short time ago, when we had a ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capitol, to meet Mr. Buckles and talk to him. It is amazing he had such vitality at such an old age. I am happy this matter is completed.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate this evening, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the provisions of S. Res. 89 as a further mark of respect to the memory of Frank W. Buckles, the longest surviving U.S. veteran of World War I.