John Babcock, seen in a photo from 2006, was Canada’s last surviving veteran of the First World War.
Ninety-three years ago, at 5:30 a.m., the guns began. By the end of the day, the entire world stood up and took notice. The capture of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, by four Canadian army divisions working in concert as a Canadian corps was a remarkable event in the history of our country. This year, however, Vimy Ridge Day has added significance.
John Babcock's death in February, at 109 years old, severed Canada's last living link to the First World War. The modest Mr. Babcock, who spent most of his adult life in the United States, refused the federal government's offer of a state funeral in his honour. He said he had no wish to glorify war or to elevate his stature above others who served.
Instead of a state funeral, today Vimy Ridge Day will be marked with a ceremony at Ottawa's National War Memorial called End of an Era. It will mark Mr. Babcock's passing. In addition, Books of Reflection are available in Ottawa, as well as at provincial and territorial legislatures and certain overseas locations, allowing individual Canadians to record their thoughts on The Great War. These are to be open for signing until Monday, April 12. An online version can be accessed at www.vac-acc.gc.ca
These efforts properly elevate the importance of today's occasion, but remain respectful of Mr. Babcock's wishes.
And if we are recognizing Canada's participation in the First World War, it seems equally appropriate to acknowledge the current government's efforts in this regard. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is paying more attention to the importance of major historical moments and Canada's shared mythology. As it should.
The ceremony in Vimy, France, to mark the 90th anniversary of Vimy Ridge Day in 2007 was particularly noteworthy for the presence of the Queen and the unfurling of the Red Ensign, the banner under which Canadian soldiers fought in the First World War. More recently, the Immigration Department's revised study guide for new immigrants puts added emphasis on many aspects of Canadian history. (Of course the absence of official recognition by Ottawa of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Quebec was a major disappointment.)
An era may have ended with Mr. Babcock. But the significance of what he - and the 650,000 other Canadians who served during the First World War - will continue forever. The federal government has an important role in making sure we remember this.