First World War Veteran Regains CANADIAN Citizenship

[MalahatTwo7]

First World War veteran regains citizenship

Canwest News Service Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SPOKANE, Wash. - Canada's last remaining First World War veteran, John Babcock, will be sworn in as a Canadian citizen today.

Babcock, 107, moved to the United States after the Great War, but because the U.S. at the time did not allow "dual citizens" he had to renounce his Canadian status.

The veteran wrote to the prime minister in April asking that his Canadian citizenship be restored.

Dear PM," he wrote. "Could I have my Canadian citizenship restored? I would appreciate your help.
Thank you, John Babcock."

The missive was penned in the wake of a visit Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson made to Babcock's home in Spokane.

Thompson presented Babcock, who served in 1917 in the Boys Battalion, with a Minister's Commendation - a special award recognizing the sacrifice and achievements of veterans and commendable service to the veterans community.

The minister also delivered the letter to Harper during a cabinet meeting, he said.

According to Thompson, Harper was "really taken" with it and acted on the request right away.

The veteran officially became a Canadian on May 8, after Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean completed "all the necessary signatures,"

Babcock grew up as one of 13 children on a farm in Kingston.

Born on July 23, 1900, he was too young to join the forces in 1915, so he lied about his age to sign up with the 146th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Two years later, Babcock landed in England with the Boys Battalion. The war ended before he could join the front lines - something he has said is a great disappointment.

Babcock also served in the U.S. army from 1921 to 1924.

Babcock's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.

© Canwest News Service 2008

Photo credit:

Canada's last known World War I veteran John Babcock (R) toasts to his health with Greg Thompson (not in picture), Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs, after receiving the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in Spokane, Washington, April 19, 2008.
Reuters

{I see he's still "Two-Fist'n 'er" too!