Watch CBS News

Bartlett: WWI Vet Should Lie In Capitol Rotunda

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Roscoe Bartlett says he supports having World War I veteran Frank W. Buckles' body lie in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington.

In a letter Friday to House Speaker John Boehner, the Maryland Republican said the honor is not for an individual, but in recognition of extraordinary service to the country.

Buckles died last week at age 110 at his Charles Town, W.Va., home. He was the last surviving American World War I veteran.

The veteran's daughter has urged lawmakers to let her father lie in the Rotunda to honor all of the war's veterans.
Leaders in Washington have been divided over how to best honor Buckles and the 4.7 million other Americans who served during World War I.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.