The last time all known U.S. veterans of a war died was Sept. 10, 1992, when Spanish-American War veteran Nathan E. Cook passed away at age 106.
As a kid back in the 1950s, I knew a lot of old (grandfather types) who were WWI Vets. But there was one old guy who was the neighborhood Chiropractor and an avid stamp collector. His name was Doc Winston. He was a very nice man. He got me interested in stamps then, sadly it didn't last for long. ( I was more into baseball cards then. ;~))
The guy was in his 80s I'd guess and still practicing. One time talking to him, he told me he was a veteran of not only the Spanish-American war, but also marched into Peking during the Boxer Rebellion.
I wish I had been old enough or smart enough to either record or write down his recollections of that time. I loved talking to him, but I just can't remember much of about the stories he told. I just knew I really liked that old guy and his history fascinated me then.
But tell your kids that when they meet an old timer who wants to tell them about 'the day' to find a way to preserve those memories.
Here's a song written in 1914 updated from an American song written in 1863.
It reflects the relief, joy and pride that families and hamlets will experience when their sons come marching home from the Great War:
When Johnny comes marching home again
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
The ladies they will all turn out
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home!
Get ready for the Jubilee
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give the hero three times three
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The laurel wreath is ready now
To place upon his loyal brow
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home!
Rest in peace, U.S. Army Veteran, Harry Landis. You made the last march home to the Place we know your laurel wreath was waiting. We salute you!
Leni