Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Orders Flags Statewide to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of WWI Veteran Frank Buckles

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at commonwealth facilities statewide to be flown at half-staff on March 15 in honor of Frank Buckles, the last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I.

Buckles, 110, died Feb. 27 at his home in West Virginia.

"With the passing of Frank Buckles, we sadly lose a living piece of American history and heritage," Corbett said. "Fortunately, his legacy will live through the thousands of men and women who serve in our armed forces and continue to carry on the duty of serving our nation with the same dedication, passion and commitment he displayed when he enlisted more than 90 years ago."

Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on March 15, the date of Buckles' funeral at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Media contact: Eric Shirk, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor