Canada's last known First World War veteran dies @ 109 yrs old

[auntAgonist]

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/02/18/12937771-cp.html


OTTAWA - John (Jack) Babcock, Canada's last remaining veteran of the First World War, has died. He was 109.

Calling it "the end of an era," Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" by Babcock's death, and extended his condolences on behalf of all Canadians.

"As a nation, we honour his service and mourn his passing," he said. "John Babcock was Canada's last living link to the Great War, which in so many ways marked our coming of age as a nation. In honouring his service and mourning his passing, we honour the proud history of our country and pay tribute to all those who fought and died for Canada."

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff echoed the prime minister's sentiments.

"Today we remember Mr. Babock's extraordinary life and salute his service to our country, and we recommit ourselves to forever honour the lives and service of his fallen fellow soldiers and veterans."

Babcock was born in 1900 in farmhouse in Holleford, Ont. - a small town North of Kingston - where he spent most of his childhood.

[HeresyLives]

1. 'marked our coming of age as a nation'

Baloney. More myth-making.

Heckuva life tho eh?

[polly7]

2. RIP Mr. Babcock

He lied about his age and was 15 when he signed up. I do soldier linking to Canadian transcriptions on the web and you'd be amazed how many of those young boys lied to join that horrible war. My own great-uncle did and was there fighting a total of three days before being killed. It was a monstrous war ....... but then, they all are.

[shockedcanadian]

3. Thank you for the sacrifice

Wasn't that long ago (relatively speaking) that my father joined the military and he also lied about his age for the "priviledge" of joining.

For a man who was 109 years old he lost his youth way too many years ago. RIP. Thank you for serving.

And yes they all are monstrous...I thank God for these brave men's selfish sacrifices at such a young age so hopefully we never have to fight one in our own backyard. Whether you agree with a particular operation or not, you cannot fault the courage of these men..especially in both World Wars.