There were over 600,000 young Canadians who enlisted to fight in the Great War and, like the lights of a small city, they have been extinguished one by one — some 60,000 during the war itself, and the remainder slowly over the passage of nine decades until the last fragile light has finally flickered out.

John Babcock, the very last of all those men, died on February 18, 2010 in his home in Spokane, Washington. He was 109. More

Open to all Canadian senior highs, the Begbie Contest challenges students on major events in Canadian history from 1850 to the present, with emphasis on critical thinking skills using primary sources. Available in either language, the registration deadline is March 10, 2010; contest date is April 13, 2010. One prize of $1000 for every 250 entrants! Top English and French recipients get a free trip to Ottawa where they will meet the Governor General. More details.

To learn more about each of the national history awards, visit: Governor General's Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History, Pierre Berton Award, Kayak Kids' Illustrated Stories, Begbie Contest, Macdonald Prize and Historica-Dominion Institute.

Canada's sweetheart figure skater Barbara Ann Scott, and legendary skiers Dave Irwin and Nancy Greene Raine talk about life after the Olympics. Listen to their podcasts.