Occasionally something happens nearby which does not really have any direct connection to Capitol Hill, but still merits a post here. I wrote last week about Olive G. Kimball‘s tireless work to build the new amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery, and mentioned that Frank Buckles, last surviving US World War I veteran would soon lie in honor there. I was fortunate enough to be in Arlington while Buckles’s casket was on view, and took a few pictures.
A view of Olive G. Kimball’s amphitheater. The exit from the subterranean chapel is at the center of the picture. Buckles’s family had asked that he lie in state in the rotunda of the Capitol, but congressional leaders made the decision that this would tend to water down this honor, which has thus far only been given the unknown soldiers of the conflict, and that Arlington would be an appropriate venue instead.
Frank Buckles’s casket, with a member of the Old Guard (who also guard the tomb of the unknown soldier) behind it. While a steady stream of people made their way through the chapel, photographers — such as the one seen at the right — were photographing the proceedings. Buckles himself was fairly sanguine about his achievements, though he did use his fame to push for the renovation of the DC World War I memorial.
Another view. After this, I had the opportunity to add my signature to the book of condolences before exiting. Most of those on hand for the changing of the guard had no idea of the momentous occasion going on just a few feet away from them.