Canada honors last WWI veteran

OTTAWA, April 9 (UPI) -- Canada honored the passing of its last World War I veteran with a ceremony Friday marking the official end of an era, authorities say.

John Babcock, who died in February at 109, was paid tribute at the National End of Era ceremony on Vimy Ridge Day at Ottawa's National War Memorial, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General Michaelle Jean opened the 11 a.m. event with a ceremonial inspection followed by Jean shaking hands and personally thanking rows of veterans from other wars for their service.

Similar ceremonies were held across Canada, in London and in France at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial where 93 years ago Canadians won a battle helping to establish Canada's national identity, the CBC reported.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth issued a statement recognizing the importance of the ceremonial events to pay homage "to the passing of a truly remarkable generation."

She called the sacrifice of the 650,000 Canadians who served and 200,000 killed or wounded in World War I a "defining moment in the history of Canada ... which we will never forget."