Comment: Honour Henry (From The Argus)

Comment: Honour Henry

10:30pm Sunday 19th July 2009 in

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It was a sad day for Sussex.

Henry Allingham, the world’s oldest man, was a hero in the true sense of the word.

The 113-year-old had survived two world wars and experienced many ups and downs throughout his long life.

His death at 3.10am on Saturday at St Dunstan's care home in Ovingdean, Brighton, led to tributes from the Queen, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, friends, councillors and many others.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said on the Queen’s behalf he was of a generation who "sacrificed so much for us all".

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also paid homage, saying: "I had the privilege of meeting Henry many times. He was a tremendous character, one of the last representatives of a generation of tremendous characters.

"My thoughts are with his family as they mourn his passing but celebrate his life."

The Argus shares Mr Brown’s sentiments.

However it is a tragedy that the British Government failed to honour Mr Allingham before his death.

He had many awards bestowed upon him during his life, including the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest badge of courage.

He was awarded the French rank of chevalier, or knight, in the Legion d’Honneur in 2003 and was promoted to the rank of officer in March.

It led to this newspaper launching an ‘Honour For Henry’ campaign, urging the Government to finally give Mr Allingham the recognition he deserved.

Last month we sent an open letter to Mr Brown in a final push.

Sadly we did not hear back.

Today we call on Mr Brown to finally act and to give Mr Allingham a posthumous honour.

Although many will consider it bitter sweet, it will only be what Henry deserves.