The National Centenarian Awareness Project
salutes our veterans who fought
The Great War "Over There."

Currently there is only one known U.S. survivor of WWI.

Lloyd Botimer, 104, served at the front in the battle of Verdun, "one of the bloodiest battles in history," tells Lloyd. "It is hard for people today to understand, but at that time there was a real feeling that we Americans were doing something good. We were making the world safe for Democracy. Patriotism ran very high and you wanted to be part of it."

PHOENIX, May 2, 1999 — The Arizona Republic has reported that Mr. Botimer, one of the oldest living World War I veterans in the Phoenix metro area, died of pneumonia Friday evening, April 30th.   His death came only two days after he received the French Legion of Honor in front of nearly 100 fellow Camelback Rotary Club members and U.S. and Arizona veterans organizations. The honor is the highest bestowed by France to a civilian. — The Arizona Republic

Lloyd Botimer in his uniform. The photo was taken in 1918.

After learning of his passing, Lynn Adler conveyed the following: The fact that Lloyd achieved the earned distinction of receiving the French Legion of Honor medal is significant. Lloyd's strong will and spirit were exemplary to the end. Despite being ill, Lloyd carried through with the planned ceremony because of shear determination; he really wanted that medal! It seems to us that he did not change. I vividly recall his telling us in detail of his experience in the Battle of Verdun at the edge of the Argonne Forest and how he was prepared to go into battle with his troops rather then remain in safety behind the lines, as his rank permitted. He was courageous and honest and pure of spirit and I admired him so.

Basilio Imbergia, 102, emigrated from Italy shortly before WWI began. Soon after, he was drafted and sent to fight in France. He received the Military Order of The Purple Heart after surviving the battle of the Argonne Forest. "I can still remember the horrible sounds of the shells exploding all around us and overhead," says Basilio. "Even today, after all these years, if I hear a fork drop on the floor I jump. Only 15 men in my company made it out alive."

Herb Kirk, 103, was a naval aviator in WWI, who quit college to enlist and learn to fly. "I wanted to be an Ace," recalls Herb, "it seemed exciting. But before we left our flight school in Florida to go overseas, half the men in my class had either been killed or severely injured. It was really flying by the seat of our pants!"

In appreciation of their service on French soil, the government of France is awarding the Chevalier Cross of the Legion of Honor and a commemorative certificate to all veterans and non-combat personnel who served in France during World War I.

If you know of someone who qualifies but has not been contacted, please contact the National Centenarian Awareness Project at 1-800-243-1889.

Many who were at the Front believe they only survived because the Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The French Ambassador to Britain said it's a duty to remember these veterans. We believe that's true for all of us.