last WW1 veteran to get state funeral

steeljack · 17-02-2006, 05:47

I read online that the UK/Blair government is planing a State funeral when the last veteran from the trenchs passes away (about 10 still alive ) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...17/ixhome.html

would be interested to know how do the folks on this site feel about this, is it a good idea or not ? , myself I think it's a bit presumtuous considering the number still alive . Whats next some bookie opening the odds on who will be last guy to croak .........
If the person was a family member , your Grandad/Greatgrandad, would you want a grining Tony Blair and all the other political sleezeballs at the family funeral ......
also has anyone seen the new movie Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) about the football game on no-mans land during the Christmas truce in 1914 between the German , French and British troops ........not available in the states yet

SPUGGIE J · 17-02-2006, 06:05

If this was to happen to family would be sidelind for what could turn out to be a media circus. This old soldier should be allowed to go to his last resting place with the dignity and respect he has earned. I hope the family resist this idea and have a funeral that this soldier has planned without political interferance.

Debbie J · 17-02-2006, 09:13

I think it's a nice idea providing the family are in agreement but IMO all those who fought for this country deserve/d a state funeral as all are heroes.

Doug · 17-02-2006, 09:32

I have too agree with Spuggie on this one. If Blair is to do anything too honour those that served in the Great War they should hold a day of National Remembrance on the passing of the last Solider to mark the end of what was as much a tragedy in British History as it was a Victory.

Basher · 17-02-2006, 09:53

What about all the other survivors that fought in WWI who have passed away since? In my opinion it's unfair that bliar is wanting to do this. No one human life is worth more than any other.

Leave the family alone, if they want outside involved they can arrange that themselves.

SPUGGIE J · 17-02-2006, 12:36

They want to honour one soldier for being the last of those that in the words of their German foes "walked dogedly forwad under our machineguns with grim determination." Many died needlessly through incompetence ( sir Douglas Haigs Flanders obsession) and are only remembered by family and on the 11th of November. The cream of Accrington men died in that war slaughtered at Serre during the Somme campaign were more died Tommies died in that first day than in the first 3 weeks in Normandy. Lets have a National Day of Rememberance for these men who in some cases were just 15 / 16 year old kids. Polititions got us into the mess in the first place the armed forces helped get us out of it.

KEEP THE POLITITIONS AWAY FROM THE LAST SOLDIER TO DIE HE IS MORE OF A MAN THAN THE WHOLE PRESENT PARLIMENT!!!!!

garinda · 17-02-2006, 13:01

It says in the report that it was a cross Commons group led by former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith that came up with the idea. It also says the go ahead depends on the agreement of the veteran's family.

Basher · 17-02-2006, 13:10

Like others I would say go for a National Day of Remembrance, let's honour them all rather than inadvertently singling out one person and their family.

West Ender · 17-02-2006, 15:32

I think it's a bad idea. I can appreciate the sentiment behind it but it's wrong to wait for the last man to die then make a ceremonial occasion of his death. I agree with those who say a memorial service is far better. It would encompass all those who died and one family's grief wouldn't be so much of a circus.

chav1 · 17-02-2006, 18:12

how about doing somthing for these people before they die rather than use them for a publicity stunt

staggeringman · 17-02-2006, 18:17

only one thing missing here!!!! they are all remembered on remembarance sunday............lest we forget........ its all bullc...p from a new labour government yet again!

chav1 · 17-02-2006, 18:28

its like a lottery of death

most old peopel due to lack of care from the government cant afford a decent burial as it is so if they cling onto life for as long as they can at least one of them will get a decent burial

what if the last person is in hospital on a life support system will tony blair demand the plug be pulled so that he can benefit from the publicity ...?

garinda · 17-02-2006, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by staggeringman

only one thing missing here!!!! they are all remembered on remembarance sunday............lest we forget........ its all bullc...p from a new labour government yet again!

It was your caring, sharing, ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, that came up with the idea.

Poor beggars, they're probably taking up sky diving to ensure that they aren't the last man standing.

chav1 · 17-02-2006, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

It was your caring, sharing, ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, that came up with the idea.

Poor beggars, they're probably taking up sky diving to ensure that they aren't the last man standing.

as long as the parachute fails that is..

staggeringman · 17-02-2006, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

It was your caring, sharing, ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, that came up with the idea.

Poor beggars, they're probably taking up sky diving to ensure that they aren't the last man standing.

why has it only just come out in the open then! labour not think of ought else to do....or ban...or cock...up ...or cover..up!

that bit about skydiving sounds ok....been there got the t shirt lol...