My dad was a WWII vet. He trained in New Brunswick and did 3 tours in Europe. Active at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, he flew in more of those planes than most pilots. Every year he would be featured on CHCH TV in Hamilton as a surviving vet. Well 1 month ago we lost him suddenly. At age 88 I really cant complain, but still I miss him dearly. A product of one of the most amazing generations, he was still working for the Board Of Negotiations (he had a mind like a steel trap right to the end). Last weekend we visited mom. My 17 year old daughter was very close to dad (he was a great guy) and she was given his WWII dog tags, upon which she immediately broke down and cried. Now she wears them every day. Because of dad she has a deep interest in WWII history. When people talk about the Montreal Massacre, my mom puts things in perspective and brings out a scrap book with tons of o-bits of classmates that went to war and never returned. To quote my dad, "you dont even know you are alive!" Godspeed dad, and to all the vets who paid for our freedoms today with their blood.

I currently work for Veterans Affairs Canada in Charlottetown. I used to work for 7 years for Department Of National Defence in Downsview.

I have heard stories weekly/daily all year long /every year of the sacrifice of war. WW1 to Iraq.

My most personal remembrance is of my Father. He fought in Korea.

Remembrance doesn't start or stop with Remembrance day for some.

Remembrance Day Message

This year, Canada mourned the passing of John "Jack" Bab****, our last known veteran of the First World War.  His passing signified the end of an era in Canadian military history and, as such, was marked with a solemn ceremony at the National War Memorial on April 9th, Vimy Day.

      Mr. Bab****s passing illustrates the reason why we need to pause on Remembrance Day to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.

The 620,000 men and women who served in the Canadian Forces in the First World War of which 67,000 gave their lives and 173,000 were wounded have now all passed; their voices silent. Every year, the ranks of Second World War and Korean War veterans get smaller.  But, their legacy lives on in the values and principles we hold dear; freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Their torch has been passed to us, and our solemn duty is to remember they sacrificed their lives for Canada and the world.  It is the generations of warriors past who won us our nationhood, won us our eminent standing on the world stage, and forged a nation of honourable, dedicated and caring people who rise to the defence of the oppressed.

Those brave Canadians of years past earned respect, both at home and abroad, for their dedication and commitment to peace and security.  Theirs is a legacy passed on through the years that Canadian Forces members can proudly embrace.  I'm humbled and proud to be associated with Canada's brave men and women in uniform who continue to make sacrifices in the name of freedom."  

Lest we forget.


      His name should not be censored. He is a Canadian hero.
JOHN "JACK"      B A B C O C K