Hundreds Attend War Veteran's Funeral Obit Goes Viral With No Close Relatives Left to Attend
6 replies, posted
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[quote]The large crowd gathered for Harold Percival's funeral at Lytham Crematorium[/quote]
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[quote]Crowds gather for the funeral in Lytham of Harold Percival[/quote]
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[quote]RAF standard bearers prepare for the arrival of Harold Percival's coffin at Lytham Crematorium[/quote]
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[quote]Harold Percival's funeral in Lytham. Mourners young and old. [/quote]
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[quote]The Dambusters theme plays as Harold Jellicoe Percival's coffin is carried into the chapel. Crowd of 300+. [/quote]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D18_drrVhss[/media]
[quote]
This is the Fylde war hero whose death has sparked a national outpouring of sympathy after it was revealed he has no immediate family to attend his funeral.
Harold Jellicoe “Coe” Percival, who served as part of Bomber Command during the legendary Dam Busters raids in the Second World War, died at a St Annes nursing home last month. He was 99.
But, as he has no immediate family nearby, it was feared few people would turn up to his funeral which will poignantly be held on Armistice Day at 11am on Monday, November 11, in Lytham.
Mr Percival was today described as a “bit of a loner” and an ”independent man” who lived almost all of his life on his own.
After his story appeared on social networks and in today’s Gazette hundreds of people - many ex-service personnel - have pledged to attend his funeral.
Sgt Rick Clement who was badly injured while serving in Afghanistan, last night, took to Facebook and Twitter after reading an obituary notice in The Gazette’s sister paper the Lytham St Annes Express.
The notice read: “A single man, Harold has no close family who can attend his funeral.
“He served in RAF Bomber Command as ground crew during the Second World War. Any service personnel who can attend his funeral service would be appreciated.”
Sgt Clement (pictured), who lost both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2010, said on social networking site Facebook: “I need a big favour from any military or ex-serving members. This fallen soldier at 99-years-old is having a funeral on Monday and he has no family to attend.
“If you’re in the area give him the send off he deserves. This guy needs and deserves your help.”
Former Conservative Party Leader Iain Duncan Smith and comedian Jason Manford were among the thousands who have now Tweeted their support.
Mr Percival’s nephew David Worsell said he was “immensely proud” of his uncle who was part of the crew which led the legendary Dam Dusters raids.[/quote]
[url]http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/hundreds-pledge-to-attend-war-hero-s-funeral-1-6232296#.Un45X036AGM.twitter[/url]
Faith in Humanity restored.
Saw this earlier today, fucking awesome and well-deserved.
Rest in peace.
So humbling to see all these people give this hero a proper send off.
Now this is how you should honor a WWII vet
not breaking into his house and beating him to death
I would find it weird to attend a funeral of someone I didn't know personally. Mostly because it feels like it's just to show others your sympathy. I mean aren't funerals meant to bring closure? But nonetheless, a great thing that so many came.
[QUOTE=commander204;42832578]I would find it weird to attend a funeral of someone I didn't know personally. Mostly because it feels like it's just to show others your sympathy. I mean aren't funerals meant to bring closure? But nonetheless, a great thing that so many came.[/QUOTE]
They're not just about closure, they are about a final sign and show of respect. These people respected him as a human-being, as a man and as a soldier and to show that respect they were there for his funeral.
i should have gone
because why not, its only 10mins away
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