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Hundreds Of Strangers Turn Up For WWII Veteran's Funeral

Hundreds Of Strangers Turn Up For WWII Veteran's Funeral

Respect.

Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

The majority of us have profound respect for those who fight for our country, even if we've never met them.

Past and present people have risked their own lives to protect ours, and that, no matter what you're told, is the ultimate type of hero.

Sadly though, all things must pass and even those brave souls aren't immune to mortality. World War Two veteran Harry Wheeler passed away at his care home in Cheshire on May 8, leaving no known relatives behind.

Because there wasn't 'a soul in the world to mourn' the 96-year-old, a social media appeal was launched to get people to attend his funeral yesterday, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Hundreds of strangers turned out in Macclesfield, Cheshire to pay their respects.





"He adored his wife and daughter, but both of them passed away years ago," a close friend told MEN. "He has no one to mourn him - not a soul in the world.

"It would be lovely if people could support us and give him a great send off."

The Royal Marines provided the music for the service, as somewhere between 200 and 300 people showed up.

Harry served with the Royal Marines in Italy before independently living in Wilmslow until he was 94, when he was moved into Ashfields Care Home for the elderly in Macclesfield.

He was married to his wife Enid for 50 years, and had a daughter named Susan, but tragically both died before him.

What a special thing for all of these people to do.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook