State Funeral

[Grace]

Knowing the esteem in which the men who fought in WW1 are held on this site I wondered what your reaction to the following would be.
On Radio 4 last night I heard that it is being proposed that the last gallant man who dies in this country who fought in the "Great War" should be awarded a State Funeral, as a final and single act of remembrance. Apparently the CWGC are going to get involved as well as various Members of Parliament, who are putting it forward.
What do you think? A step too far or well deserved ?

 

[Oisin]

I'd go for that, Cassie Connie Gr... GG.

The only negative I can see is that that state funerals are usually reserved for royalty and high profile politicians. The last thing this veteran needs is to be mistaken for either of those - he's a lot more worthy than that.

 

[Rod]

I'm of very mixed minds here. I think to be honest first and foremost the wishes of the person concerned must be considered, and then the thoughts of that persons family.

Once that last person dies perhaps it would be far better to have some sort of ceremony, live broadcast? commemorating ALL those, past and present who died and have links with that dreadful conflict. This maybe a better option I think... It was after all a sacrifice of many, on all sides, doesn't it need looking at as a whole.

 

[dennis]

Who ever the gentleman is, who
does become the last survivor???
Then I think it should be  the survivor's relative's
to  decides,first having the wishes of said gentleman
fulfilled, W ould be interesting in what he has to say
Better to give him a bloody good party beforehand,
and see that all these old soldiers are well cared for O0

 

[John Young]

In agreement with Luvly Sister Grace  :-* & Ohsinner Paul  : i would like the passing of this Gallant WW1 Hero
to be "celebrated" in some dignified manner as outlined by Grace above  :angel:
Noted as Rod & Dennis have rightly said,with his & Family permissions honoured & adhered to ,,

In continuation of this Idealism,, The Commonwealth War Graves Commission who do  Magnificent work for "Our"
Thousands of fallen heroes around the World,,The Cemeteries abroad are kept immaculately in reverence.
Hopefully the "Politicians" supporting the above,, Last Man Standing,,theme
Will improve the Funding & Support of the CWGC to re-furbish This Countries "War Graves", We All Owe Them This.
Our own Key Hill Cemetery is a disgrace compared to CWGC Medjez-el-Bab/Tunisia (Jack Young age 21, 1942)
To Honour Our last Man is excellent,,, to Honour All of them with a Beautiful place to rest in,, Would be Better.
John  

 

[Di.Poppitt]

If I was the last survivor of that difficult and bloody war, I would ask for a memorial service to be held after my death. It would be in London, there would be a representation of all our armed services present, and it would be in honour of all those who fought and died between 1914 and 1918.

 

[SuBee]

I too am torn about this...........It makes it feel like a competition

I think the family of the loved one should be taken into consideration, when that person has died, they will be left with memories that they have to lve with. Thrust into the large public eye at the height of their very personal grief. Even people who are famous and have well known families who are used to the publicity, often ask for privacy at a loved ones funeral.

I think the suggestion of a ceremony to commemorate all who fought in *The Great War', would be more fitting.

I just have a sad feeling that if this was announced, that the media would do an 'emlimination' programme and some TV scout would be rounding up all those remaining and following the remainder of their lives, and not to show bravery or thankfulness either

 

[Grace]

Apparently Sue the news leaked out about a month before it was due to be announced. The CWGC being involved is one thing, but politicians !!!!!!! 

 

[Pomgolian]

:angel: Grace such is the nature of most politicians to jump on any band waggon that will get them seen, no matter who or what it is for. I myself witnessed this recently at a political friend's funeral. Some have no integrity at all once they are elected... Sad really very sad for the world as a whole

 

[GER22VAN]

It is so difficult to access what needs to be done, l have had mixed feelings in the past about these matters.  Looking back thinking how lucky some are to have survived all the horrors of war but then looking back further and remembering back in the 1940's of men that were ambling along with limbs missing of one type or another and trying to make a living selling boxes of matches or some other form of goods to make a living. Yes these were exsoldiers of the First World War or The Great War as they knew it.
This was not imaginary as l am sure the older generation can verify.
When l think of the words " A country fit for hero's "  l quietly thought WHERE ? and the same for those parents that were left behind.  Things were not talked about too much all those years ago as the hurt and sorrow was too tremendous affected them for years to come.  l know this does not give an answer to the question but whatever happens l just hope that it seems right in years to come after all they will not be around,
perhaps why not ask them and give the last one the honour that is chosen by them or is it too big a decision to ask ? l just dont know the answer.

 

[O.C.]

Just think what the nations of the World would be like if from the days of the first battles, monuments were erected and maintained, the countries would become gigantic cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance. Most of us do not Know a single persons name that died in the War of the Rose, Crimean War, Peninsular Wars, Battle of Trafalgar etc, etc, etc. only the Generals and Commanders like Nelson Wellington etc. are remembered.
We seem to be programmed just to remember our Fathers and Grandfathers battles.
Even the Boer War now is forgotten as the generations die.
I think when all the older generation are gone the Great War will sink into the mist of time and only the Second World War will be remembered just like we have no interest in the wars before, like the Crimean.
I read last week that America has stopped the teaching of the Great War in their schools so now it has already become a forgotten War in that country with just the
dwindling branch of American Branch of the Western Front Association keeping the memory alive
Gallipoli has already been forgotten by our so-called Government.
So what’s the answer?
The Answer is not in monuments or remembrance services saying prayers to all different Gods, which the both side’s of any battle prayed to, hoping God was on their side.
No, the answer can only be in teaching, learning and Remembering.