CNN.Europe reported today that Henry Allingham, the world’s oldest man and the oldest surviving British veteran from World War I, died at the age of 113.

More than than simply his longevity, I was impressed with the consistency of Mr. Allingham’s commitment to the cause of freedom through his long, productive life. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service as a mechanic in 1915, served in World War I, and was a founding member of the Royal Air Force in 1918. He was called up from the reserve air force during World War II to help find a solution to German magnetic mines.

Many thanks to Mr. Allingham and all of his generation, who defended the cause of freedom for all of us.