Another WWI Vet Lost to History

More amazing than that is that he drove until the age of 104!

Maybe he’s pictured somewhere here.

Those are some seriously cool photos.

Those are amazing. Where did you find them?

Eli

They were designed and photographed by Mole & Thomas. If you Google them, various sites will yeild interesting information

Just yesterday I was wondering how many U.S. WWI veterans were still alive.

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I’ve also been wondering how many are left. In 1985 I interviewed and wrote a story about a WWI veteran; I believe he was about 93 then. I enjoyed meeting him so much – although the interview was difficult; he was deaf as a post.

His deafness was the reason I found out about him – the local VWF was buying him hearing aids and thought I’d like to do a story on that. I can’t remember if I mentioned the hearing aids of not. I do remember him talking about staying in Germany after the war. He also stood up and recited a poem he’d learned while in Germany – in German – and then translated a bit. I ran his picture in the paper from his days in the service. He was very handsome.

It was fairly sad, the state of poverty he’d come to, living in a trailer in rather primitive conditions. He was obviously well-educated. I think of him now and again and wonder when he died. Probably 20 years now.

Surviving veterans of World War I

And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
But year after year their numbers get fewer
Someday no one will march there at all

It’s the Kaiser’s curse. Did you know that almost everyone who participated in WWI is dead? Coincidence? I think not.

The last surviving veteran of Ireland’s War of Independence, Dan Keating, died two months ago. He was only 105.

Aaah, but that’s what they want you to believe.