7 more coffins return to the UK

[Dixie68]

I've just been watching the repatriation of 7 soldiers and Marines on the news, very sad. I was privileged to be present at one of these when they used to be flown into RAF Brize Norton - we were in the departure 'lounge' at Brize waiting to fly out and the hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin stopped outside the glass wall that faces out onto the tarmac. Without a word being said, everyone stood up and came to attention, and those with hats on saluted.
I'm glad they still televise the repatriations and I try to make sure I watch every one of them.
One question though - who pays for the funeral, headstone etc? Surely it's the government?

[Asterix]

Sad day indeed - as have been all the others.

Can't help with the question though, I'm afreaid - I would have thought Government within certain boundaries.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Indeed very sad for the families involved.

Don't forget that for every coffin there's probably six lads come back in a wheelchair or on a stretcher to face a very difficult life.

If anyone can explain what they're fighting for I'd welcome the education.

[tinman0]

Ozzie Osmond said:

If anyone can explain what they're fighting for I'd welcome the education.

Because freedom isn't free.

[deadslow]

When you see these young men having made this sacrifice, and on the same day those world cup clowns coming home, it makes you wonder who deserves the millionaire salaries.

[alfalynn]

http://bit.ly/9MvSGP

Maybe????? I really don't know. Is this the role of our troops?

Edited by alfalynn on Tuesday 29th June 23:48

[Asterix]

deadslow said:

When you see these young men having made this sacrifice, and on the same day those world cup clowns coming home, it makes you wonder who deserves the millionaire salaries.

Makes you think...

[Dixie68]

deadslow said:

When you see these young men having made this sacrifice, and on the same day those world cup clowns coming home, it makes you wonder who deserves the millionaire salaries.

Except for Beckham - at least he went out and visited them in Afghanistan. A genuine morale boost too according to some ex-colleagues who met him. Good on him.

[Ginetta G15 Girl]

Grave and Headstone is paid for by HMG. You are entitled to a unit badge, name, dates and the family can designate a small inscription. The grave is then looked after by the War Graves Commission.

If you wish to change the headstone, cemetery, or have an enormous inscription then HMG washes its hands.

[Dixie68]

Ginetta G15 Girl said:

Grave and Headstone is paid for by HMG. You are entitled to a unit badge, name, dates and the family can designate a small inscription. The grave is then looked after by the War Graves Commission.

If you wish to change the headstone, cemetery, or have an enormous inscription then HMG washes its hands.

Nice one, thanks

[deadslow]

Dixie68 said:

deadslow said:

When you see these young men having made this sacrifice, and on the same day those world cup clowns coming home, it makes you wonder who deserves the millionaire salaries.

Except for Beckham - at least he went out and visited them in Afghanistan. A genuine morale boost too according to some ex-colleagues who met him. Good on him.

Yes, I thought a lot of David Beckham for doing that. Top chap.