Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)

Subject: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 09:56 PM

The last Canadian Veteran of WWI, John Babcock died last week, age 109. (July 23, 1900 - February 18, 2010)

The US has one remaining Vet, 109 year old Frank Woodruff Buckles of West Virginia.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-obit-oldest-canadian-vet,0,3105830.story

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: "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."

"Today they are all gone. Canada mourns the passing of the generation that asserted our independence on the world stage and established our international reputation as an unwavering champion of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

Subject: RE: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:08 PM

I should have mentioned Harry Patch (June 17, 1898 - July 25, 2009) the last British Veteran.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/5906661/Harry-Patch-last-British-survivor-of-First-World-War-trenches-dies.html

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt said: "I know I speak on behalf of all ranks of the British Army in expressing my sadness on hearing the news of the passing of Harry Patch. Self-effacing about his experiences in the trenches he was no less effective in describing the horror they represented when invited to speak to schoolchildren about the realities of war. He was the last of a generation that in youth was steadfast in its duty in the face of cruel sacrifice and we give thanks for his life – as well as those of his comrades – for upholding the same values and freedom that we continue to cherish and fight for today."


I thought about this, but forgot to put it in before I hit submit.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: Beer
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:24 PM

Yes, I heard about this as well. Truly an end to a Canadian living history..
Beer (adrien)
should be below the line and I'm sure someone will see to it.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: beardedbruce
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 06:14 AM

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army


In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:54 AM

The Telegraph:
He was the last of a generation that in youth was steadfast in its duty in the face of cruel sacrifice and we give thanks for his life - as well as those of his comrades - for upholding the same values and freedom that we continue to cherish and fight for today.

Harry Patch himself:
War isn't worth one life.

So no I don't think he was upholding the Telegraph's values or saying (as the Telegraph was expecting us to infer) that killing people in Iraq and Afghanistan was any more worthwhile than the war he was part of.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Babcock, WWI Veteran (Feb 18, 2010)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:59 AM

It's sad isn't it...and it pulls you up too, makes you realise that we're entering a different era, growing older minute by minute...

Soon, WW1 actual memories won't be in the memory of any man living.


The very wonderful and moving myspace page for Harry Patch

RIP John.