This Vet Never Stopped Being a True Canadian

May 14th, 2008

It’s not very often that a government – municipal, provincial or federal – faces a decision that isn’t controversial or complicated or that mustn’t be evaluated for every conceivable expense, benefit or unexpected future consequence in order to ensure due diligence on behalf of its citizens. Yet, this week one of those very rare “easy” decisions came to light and it’s truly a heart-warming story.

It all began last month when Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson travelled to Spokane, Washington to present John Babcock with a Minister’s Commendation, an award that recognizes the sacrifices and achievements of veterans and commendable service to the veterans community.

At age 107, Mr. Babcock is the only remaining vet to have served Canada in the Great War. His mother was left to raise 10 children on her own at the family farm in Ontario after his father was killed by a falling tree when Mr. Babcock was just six.

Too young in 1915 to sign-up with the forces, Mr. Babcock lied about his age so he could join the 146th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Though he landed in England two years later, the war ended before he could be sent to the frontlines. A few years later, he moved to the United States and was eventually naturalized as a U.S. Citizen. Back then, the U.S. government did not permit dual citizenship so Mr. Babcock lost his status as a Canadian citizen.

When Minister Thompson arrived on his doorstep to honour his service to Canada, Mr. Babcock mentioned to him that he would like to be a Canadian once more. The Minister suggested he write Prime Minister Stephen Harper a note outlining that request. And so, pen in hand, Mr. Babcock wrote the following on a piece of notepaper decorated, ironically, with teddy bears and American flags:

“Dear PM, could I have my Canadian citizenship restored? I would appreciate your help. Thank you, John Babcock.”

When the Prime Minister received this simple note, he acted immediately. I can tell you that my cabinet colleagues and I face some very tough decisions each and every day. This one was not only easy, it was an uplifting, life-affirming and patriotic decision.

Mr. Babcock officially became “Canadian” once again on May 8th when all the official signatures were complete, and this week in Spokane, with his wife, Dorothy, and his son Jack, aged 76, proudly watching, John Babcock was officially sworn-in as a Canadian citizen.

In true modest Canadian spirit, Mr. Babcock responded to his renewed status with, “I don’t feel much different. I’m the same old codger.”

Last Fall, I toured the battlefields of Ypres, Passchendaele, St. Julien and Flander’s on hallowed ground where thousands of young Canadians perished ninety years ago in the Great War. I felt a sense of urgency that soon only text books and museums would be left to recount the lessons held in the memories of veterans like John Babcock, who willingly volunteered to fight to preserve peace, freedom and to help those in need … values that define Canada.

Paperwork or not, this “old codger” was ALWAYS a Canadian!