Faith in humanity restored.
Harold Jellicoe “Coe” Percival, a British World War II veteran, died last month at the age of 99. But according to his obituary, the former Royal Air Force member did not have any close family to attend his funeral. After the obituary was posted online, though, the Internet responded in the best way, with hundreds showing up to honor the late veteran.
So sad …. I do hope someone can attend pic.twitter.com/58Eif7QTwv
— living-the-dream (@middleaged_mom) November 8, 2013
The Blackpool Gazette covered the story and Sgt. Rick Clement, who served in Afghanistan, posted a plea to Facebook encouraging any service personnel who could attend to honor the RAF Bomber Command member.
Percival’s story quickly spread to Twitter and Facebook. And on Veterans Day — and Britain’s Remembrance Day — at 11 a.m., hundreds of service members and civilians gathered at Lytham Park Crematorium in northwestern England to honor the hero.
Crowds gather for the funeral in Lytham of Harold Percival #lytham pic.twitter.com/p3HfWbjhgW
— Steve Becker (@SteveBeckerHack) November 11, 2013
Harold Percival’s funeral in Lytham. Mourners young and old. pic.twitter.com/fERb5u43KW
— Nick Garnett (@nicholasgarnett) November 11, 2013
More service personnel arriving at Harold Percival’s funeral in Lytham. pic.twitter.com/fHwHCSZgYW
— Nick Garnett (@nicholasgarnett) November 11, 2013
According to Garnett, more than 500 people attended.
Harold Percival’s coffin carried into Lytham crematorium. pic.twitter.com/nL8VEqYcTo
— Nick Garnett (@nicholasgarnett) November 11, 2013
The funeral service is underway #lythamharoldpercival pic.twitter.com/ZV3e0ar89e
— Steve Becker (@SteveBeckerHack) November 11, 2013
Rest in peace, Mr. Percival.
