First World War veterans don't want state funeral

Last Updated: Tuesday, January 2, 2007 | 12:07 PM ET

CBC News

The Canadian government has agreed to hold a state funeral for the last First World War veteran to die, but none of the three veterans still living wants a state funeral.

The niece of one veteran, Lloyd Clemett, said her uncle would rather have a simple memorial service.

"He himself feels there should not be attention given to the last person, but the attention should be given to them all," said niece Merle Kaczanowski, who is Clemett's guardian.

Her uncle, who is in a Toronto hospital, turned 107 last month.

The other two remaining veterans, Percy Wilson and John Babcock, are over the age of 100 as well. Both have indicated that, for now at least, they are not interested in a state funeral.

Veterans Affairs officials said they're aware the three veterans don't want state funerals and they're looking into other options. They would not say what those options are.

The family of the last living veteran must agree to a state funeral for the funeral to take place.

In November, 100,000 Canadians signed an online petition demanding that the government hold a state funeral for the last veteran. A poll launched that same month found that 75 per cent of Canadians are in favour of the idea.

On Nov. 21, Canadian MPs voted unanimously to have the funeral.

State funerals are one of the highest honours Canada can bestow on a person. They are usually reserved for prime ministers and governors general.

The Toronto-based Dominion Institute, which launched the petition and conducted the poll, is still pushing for a state funeral. The institute said the government would be unwise to ignore the will of Parliament.

The last three living veterans were among 619,636 Canadians who served in the First World War.