Hundreds of Strangers Show Up to Funeral of Vet Without Family

As the United States observes Veterans Day, our friends across the pond in England and in other Commonwealth countries recognize Armistice Day, also known as Poppy Day or Remembrance Day. As they pay their respects to the men and women who served their countries, one deserving vet has received a truly moving tribute. Ninety-nine-year-old Harold Jellicoe Percival, known as Coe, died a few weeks ago on October 25 in a nursing home in Lancashire. He served in the Royal Air Force Bomber Command during World War II.

Sadly, at the time of his passing, Coe, having never been married or a parent, did not have family to attend his funeral. When the director at the Roland L. Whitehead and Daughter funeral home learned of this, he put a call out in a local newspaper for servicemen and servicewomen to attend Coe's funeral. The request went viral, as many people shared the information on Twitter. We are happy to report that Coe was given a proper final salute, fit for a veteran, as more than 300 people showed up to pay their respects.

A line formed around the funeral home as attendees waited in the rain to thank Coe for his service. Among those who showed up was veteran and double amputee Rick Clement, who helped get the word out about Coe's funeral.