Genealogy Chat

Are you free on May 30th?

The RAF Association are appealing for people to pay their respects to a 96-year-old WW2 hero whose funeral is taking place on Friday at 3.30pm at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium in Sheffield

He has no family to mourn his passing, and very few surviving friends due to his age.

Full details at

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/478299/Public-urged-to-pay-respects-at-funeral-of-war-hero-who-has-almost-nobody-to-attend

Actually, I pass the crematorium on my way home from work on Friday

If I finish early enough, I might go along to show some support

Both my parents (dad was in the RAF) are buried there

Thanks for letting us know Reggie

Nudging to keep on page one

Reggie

Just to let you know

There has been so much coverage on this, on local BBC news

They are erecting an outdoor canopy to accommodate all the people expected to attend

Wonderful.....thank you for letting me know

I drove past the crematorium at about 3.15pm

It was bumper to bumper traffic with police directing cars. Cars were coming in both directions and turning into the already FULL car park

While I was waiting in traffic, a bus pulled up and about 20 people got off, some carrying standards and dressed in uniform

I decided I wasn't needed, not that I would have got in!

It brought a tear to my eye

How lovely people can be, when they come together as one

RIP old soldier <3


Edit: It's just been reported on local BBC news..........there were hundreds that attended

What a brilliant outcome.

An illustration of the respect people have for those who serve our country.

RIP George

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/479399/Second-World-War-hero-tribute-mourners-pay-respects

I agree that it's a brilliant outcome, but my cynical side says....how sad that he had no friends whilst he was alive. Where were these people then? How many others are in a similar situation?

I have known many people who have lived to well over the age of 90 and yet they have been surrounded by friends of all ages who visited and cared for them. Their funerals were attended by friends and acquaintances who had become their surrogate 'family'.

In fact, I am just thinking of someone I know who served in the last war and is well into his 90's. His only 'family' are a few relatives of his late wife but, I can guarantee that when the time comes, the church will be crowded with his friends because he is so well loved and respected.

My motto is......care for and respect these heroes whilst they are still alive.