Final WWI Vet Denied Rotunda Honor

Army Corporal Frank Buckles, the last American World War I veteran who died last month at 110, will not lie in honor in the nation's capitol, the New York Times reports, despite requests from his family and Congressional delegation.

The decision is handled by the majority leaders of both houses of Congress, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and John Boehner (R-OH). They did not offer a specific reason for denying the request.

Buckles remains in a funeral home as his family awaits the outcome of its negotiations with Congressional officials. Senator Reid and Rep. Boehner have asked Robert Gates, the secretary of defense, to allow the family to use the Arlington National Cemetery amphitheater for the burial rites.

Two WWI vets remain worldwide: an Australian and Briton.