Buckles also was asked about his early entrance into the military.
Buckles joined the Army when he was 15, although entrants were supposed to be 21, Maka said.
When the discussion at the Pentagon turned to Buckles' age at the time, Buckles emphatically stated, "I am not a liar;" he insisted he was only "exaggerating" his age at the time, Maka said.
"Just a wonderful guy. It was great to see him," Maka said.
The crowd was standing-room-only in a 200-seat auditorium at the Pentagon as Buckles was honored, Maka said.
Present at the ceremony was photographer David DeJonge, who has conducted extensive research on World War I veterans, Maka said.
A photograph of Buckles that DeJonge took was unveiled during the ceremony and added to others hanging at the Pentagon, Maka said.
A limousine from Luxury Transport of Charles Town arrived at Buckles' home at the Gap View Farm along W.Va. 9 west of Charles Town Thursday morning to pick up Buckles for the ride into Washington, D.C.
Rick Hahn of Luxury Transport of Charles Town, said he was expected to meet with authorities at the last toll on the Dulles Toll Road and the group would form an escort to take Buckles to the White House.
Bush participated in a photo opportunity with Buckles.
Buckles was taken from his house in a wheelchair before 10 a.m. to the waiting limousine in his driveway.
Buckles said he was not sure what might happen at the White House event with Bush.
"He might ask a question or two, I don't know," Buckles said.
U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, D-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., issued statements honoring Buckles for being honored in the dual ceremonies.
"West Virginians can take great pride in knowing that our state is home to Frank Buckles," Capito said. "Known for his optimism and hopefulness, he sets an example for all of us to follow and it is only fitting that he spent today being honored by the White House and the Pentagon. As our nation's sole-surviving World War I veteran, he will always have a place in history."
Rockefeller commented on how important Buckles is to West Virginia and to the nation's history.
"Frank Buckles is a cherished touchstone to our past, and he is more than deserving of every honor and accolade bestowed upon him," Rockefeller said. "I was fortunate to be able to visit with Mr. Buckles last year at his farm in Charles Town - and I was profoundly moved by his wisdom, his energy and his spirit. West Virginia is lucky to have him."
Related stories:
Local man among last known World War I survivors (July 5, 2007)
Two of 12 known remaining WWI vets live in Tri-State area (Nov. 11, 2006)
