107-year-old First World War veteran renews Canadian citizenship

John Foster Babcock, 107, was born a Canadian, but became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1946. Last month, he sent a letter asking to renew his Canadian citizenship, and the Canadian government quickly agreed.

On Tuesday, he raised his right hand in his Spokane home and swore allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in an oath administered by Robert Godfrey, regional director general for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

"I'm happy to be back," Babcock said. "There are a lot of nice people in Canada, a lot of good-looking ones, too."

There to witness the event was Greg Thompson, Canadian minister of veterans affairs; Babcock's wife, Dorothy; Babcock's son by a first marriage, Jack, 76, and lots of reporters and photographers.

"Usually government doesn't work this fast," Thompson said, welcoming Babcock back to the Canadian family.

Babcock was born on July 23, 1900. At 15, he lied about his age to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force and shipped off to Britain. When his true age was determined, he was put in the Boys Battalion. The war ended before he was old enough to see action.

He entered the United States in 1919, and even served in the U.S. Army from 1921 to 1924. He mistakenly believed that made him a U.S. citizen, and didn't realize the error until he tried to re-enlist during World War II and was denied.

In 1946, Babcock became a naturalized U.S. citizen. In the eyes of Canada, he now has dual citizenship.

He has lived in Spokane since 1932.

Asked how it felt to be Canadian again, Babcock said, "I don't feel much different. I'm the same old codger."

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, www.spokesmanreview.com