Calvary Lutheran High School is presenting a documentary film, "Pershing's Last Patriot," which is the story of Frank Buckles, an ambulance driver under the command of Gen. John J. Pershing in World War I at 7 p.m. March 21 and 2 p.m. March 22 at the high school in Jefferson City.
After the war, Buckles worked in the shipping industry in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded. He was captured by the Japanese and became a civilian prisoner of war for more than three years.
He was awarded the World War I Victory Medal, Occupation of Germany Medal and the French Legion of Honor award.
Buckles died on Feb. 27, 2011, at the age 110. He was the last American World War I veteran.
The project was instigated by Calvary student Cinasee Tapee. She said that her father instilled a love of history in her and a special appreciation of World War I. He receives a newsletter about the war and from that found out about the documentary by David Dejonge, an independent filmmaker and photojournalist. During the last years of Buckles' life, Dejonge became friends with Buckles and decided to commemorate his life in the documentary.
Tapee's father donated to the project to produce the film, and Dejonge contacted him.
Calvary students became interested in the film and started the project in hopes of helping financially to finish producing the documentary.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 573-635-6922 or 573-690-6788 and are $5 per person. Proceeds go to the cost of the documentary's final production and the preservation of a part of American history.