British World War II veteran Harold Jellicoe “Coe” Percival died last month at the age of 99. According to his obituary, he had no close friends or family to attend his funeral services.
That's when the Internet got involved.
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A photo of Percival's obit went viral on social media, followed by a Facebook plea from former veteran Sgt. Rick Clement, who implored other servicemen to honor Percival's memory by attending the funeral. Local newspaper The Blackpool Gazette accelerated the coverage with a touching story on Percival.
The viral image eventually prompted more than 300 people to assemble at Percival's funeral on Monday — Veteran's Day and Britain's Remembrance Day — to pay their final respects to a stranger.
Several people tweeted images of the crowds gathered in the rain at Lytham Park Crematorium for the former RAF Bomber Command member.
So sad .... I do hope someone can attend pic.twitter.com/58Eif7QTwv
Crowds gather for the funeral in Lytham of Harold Percival #lytham pic.twitter.com/p3HfWbjhgW
Harold Percival's funeral in Lytham. Mourners young and old. pic.twitter.com/fERb5u43KW
Hundreds turn up for funeral of war veteran Harold Percival who died without close friends and family. pic.twitter.com/HOFimYrojG
More service personnel arriving at Harold Percival's funeral in Lytham. pic.twitter.com/fHwHCSZgYW
RAF standard bearers prepare for the arrival of Harold Percival's coffin at Lytham Crematorium #lytham pic.twitter.com/vXTxNfJCfh
Faith in humanity, and the Internet, restored.
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Image: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images