Frank Buckles
Congressman Mike Thompson co-chairman of the Military Veterans Caucus today sent a bipartisan letter urging House Speaker John Boehner to allow Frank Buckles the last surviving American veteran of World War I to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.
Although public viewings in the Rotunda have largely been limited to elected officials and distinguished military figures Thompson who represents California's 1st District which includes Yolo County and his colleagues Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) support making an exception for Buckles.
"It's important to let Mr. Buckles lie in honor not only because of who he was but what he represents" said Thompson. "Mr. Buckles was a living link between America's past and present - an important reminder of the service and sacrifice of nearly 5 million American World War I veterans. Allowing Mr. Buckles to lie in honor would be a fitting tribute to an entire generation of American war heroes and their families." | 
