Remembering the 11’s

Lloyd Brown, a 104-year-old WWI veteran
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has a great reminder of our country’s oldest living veterans — the men who fought in World War I, which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It is because of these great Americans that we celebrate Veteran’s Day on this day.

But with each passing year, there are fewer and fewer of these great men left to celebrate and remember.

According to the Veteran’s Administration, there are just 8 veterans remaining who are receiving disability benefits or pension compensation from service in World War I. The VA estimates that no more than 50 remain alive, and perhaps as few as 30.

WASHINGTON — Lloyd Brown remembers Armistice Day in 1918 as few – ever so few – veterans can.

“For the servicemen there were lots of hugs and kisses,” recalls Brown, of Charlotte Hall, Md., a teenage seaman aboard the battleship USS New Hampshire, in port stateside when the fighting stopped. “We were so happy that the war was over.”

Now 104, Brown adds, “There’s not too many of us around any more.”

In the U.S., the last known American veteran wounded in the war died at 108 in January 2004. West Virginia’s last veteran passed away in October 2004, and Iowa lost its only remaining Great War veteran two months later. An Alabama veteran of the war died last March at 110.

With each death, what was called “the war to end all wars” fades in American memory.

I’m saddened to know that in just a few short years — no more than 5-8 years at most — the last of these great men will be gone forever. Today, I remember and I thank you for your courage and your patriotism so long ago.