The time has come for Canadians to pen their final thoughts and respects to our First World War veterans and the Conservative government deserves praise for giving every person the opportunity to bid farewell to a generation that has since passed on.
Though he died more than a month ago on Feb. 18, John Babcock’s passing was a significant moment for Canada, even if many did not recognize it at the time. Babcock, at the age of 110, was Canada’s last surviving veteran of the First World War. There are officially no more individuals alive who saw service of any kind during the “war to end all wars” in Canada. An entire generation of Canadian men and women, who fought in one of the most devastating conflicts of the 20th century, that for the first time introduced the civilian population to the horrors of war has disappeared, leaving behind only the legacy of freedom they fought to build and countless memorials in their honour. Worldwide, there are five veterans left — three from the United Kingdom, one from the United States and one from Poland. All are between 106 and 110 years of age.
Many dispute Babcock’s place as Canada’s last veteran, given that he lived most of his life in the United States, did not see actual combat before the war ended and only got back his Canadian citizenship shortly before his death. He turned down an offer from the Canadian government for a state funeral. Now Stephen Harper has circulated several Books of Reflection across Canada for citizens to pay their respects, on not just Babcock’s passing, but the passing of every single one of the 620,000 Canadians who volunteered for service — of whom 67,000 died on the battle field and 173,000 were wounded.
Canada was never in danger during the First World War of course. Our soldiers fought alongside the Entente powers in opposition to the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy that swarmed the rest of Europe. It was Canada’s participation in the war that elevated our country above our dominion ties to Great Britain. Our troops’ performance at the Sommes and Vimy Ridge became the stuff of legend. Our veterans fought so well that Canada received two seats separate of the British delegation at the Paris Peace Conference. The outcome raised Canada’s international stature to that of independent nation as opposed to a vassal of the British Empire.
It is critical that this era of our history not pass with Babcock’s death. Every able Canadian should take the time to inscribe their thoughts in the nearest Book of Reflection. If not for these men and women, so much of our country’s development might not have taken place and so many in Europe might have suffered. Beyond the books, it is equally imperative our collective memory and education always includes a chapter detailing their sacrifice. After all, it is a promise we make every year on Nov. 11 — At the going down of the sun and in the morning/ We will remember them.
