Beer in the Headlights

In between trips to the package store, time tending the grill and and a day at the beach please take some time to remember just why we really celebrate Memorial Day.

Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known living American-born veteran of World War I, was honored Sunday at the Liberty Memorial during Memorial Day weekend celebrations.

"I had a feeling of longevity and that I might be among those who survived, but I didn't know I'd be the No. 1," the 107-year-old veteran said at a ceremony to unveil his portrait.

Born in Missouri in 1901 and raised in Oklahoma, Buckles visited a string of military recruiters after the United States entered the "war to end all wars" in April 1917.

He was rejected by the Marines and the Navy, but eventually persuaded an Army captain he was 18 and enlisted, convincing him Missouri didn't keep public records of birth.

Think about it. He was 16 and lied about his age so he could serve his country in battle. That right there is something else.

Keep Frank Buckles and all others who serve and have served the United States; but more importantly take some time to honor those that gave their lives for our nation.