Canada's last WW1 vet dies

**Macman** · 21st February 10, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by RB51

For some reason our government saw fit to ignore the occasion. Hopefully they will do the right thing and recognize Mr. Babcock as he is laid to rest. Veterans everywhere deserve no less.

Laurie, I think remember reading that Mr. Babcock had been offered a state funeral, but did not want it or any other official recognition. I believe that his reasoning was, as you stated, that he had not seen action, and that he was not comfortable receiving an honour that he felt belonged to all veterans, just because he was the last survivor.

**RB51** · 22nd February 10, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Macman

Laurie, I think remember reading that Mr. Babcock had been offered a state funeral, but did not want it or any other official recognition. I believe that his reasoning was, as you stated, that he had not seen action, and that he was not comfortable receiving an honour that he felt belonged to all veterans, just because he was the last survivor.

Thanks for the clarification Macman...that's the problem with local papers, they don't always report all of the story.

Stands to reason though, given his reticence about his service, that he won't want a big deal made.

Laurie

**ccga3359** · 22nd February 10, 05:12 PM

History channel has a program on right now actually. Even though his recruitment papers state his date of birth as 1900 the back states that he has the "appearance" of an 18 year old and that's all that counted!