BBC News Disgraceful RED5 Flt Lt Cunningham

[XPLUMBER]

I'm a 15 year old living in London so obviously i couldn't attend, however i would if i could because i would have liked to pay my respects to someone i admired. I don't think anyone should be having a go at anyone who turns up to a funeral, celebrity or not. I also feel if people would like to turn up to a funeral with an open invitation then who are we to have a go at them? His parents were greatful of everyone who turned up so why have a go?

Young man you have a very grown up way of putting things, well done!

[TH1213]

Thank you, i just feel that this is a time we should remember a special person to us, as the aviation community and to the general public as he was an ambassador for our country. We shouldn't sit here having a go at people who wish to pay their respects to a man they may or may not have know, but join them in remembering him and his tragicaly short but remarkable life. I also feel that just because his funeral isn't on every news website doesn't mean its ruined the day, im sure his parents would be glad that its not spread out all over the front pages, but would it be a private time for Sean's family and friends and anyone else who wishes to remember him. My rant is now over

Thomas

[Nighthawke]

Pedantic I know but slanderous is for the spoken word. Libelous is for the written word.

[Craig]

I agree with Blakey on this one. I only mourn the deaths of people I personally knew. It is sad, the passing of a life is irreversible and very final. It brings it home to us as humans how powerless we really are to control the things that matter the most to us and makes us, me at least, ask questions I can not answer about our purpose on earth. However, if I gave my condolences to the families of every stranger that has died I would be doing it 155000 times a day, or over 100 times a minute! And to me, mourning the death of a single pilot, who is in the public spotlight, just because I like planes is kind of insincere. My feelings are with everyone who has lost a loved one, they are all going through the same horrible thing, but if I am not part of the affected people's lives then my condolences cant be as genuine because they are not as heartfelt so I would feel hippocritical giving them. I wouldn't want to dishonour the dead person, or insult their family by pretending to be feeling the same as them about a stranger to me.

However, I understand the enthusiast community can play a part in letting remaining family members know just what the deceased had achieved and how many people respected them. This can be true of a lot of hobbies or sports that have a community/following. I think the funeral should be private though, but I guess the people involved had their reasons for making it public and ultimately it's up to them.

Also what is right for me may not be right for the next person. As I said death is not something we understand, individuals should deal with it how it feels right for them, I would not criticise if you do want to send thoughtful messages to strangers families, they may do an awful lot of good that is har to measure.

[davedubya]

It matters not whether it made the frontpages - Mention was made. Those who wanted to give their respects could do so, and I'm sure the pilot was given a great send off - as does anyone who dies in the line of duty.

You're not annoyed that Sky News didn't have it up on their site at all?

We have to pay for the indoctrinating BritishBrainwashingCorporation and don't question the anything but impartial damn set up enough!
We don't have to pay for the other broadcasters.

Is there any thread in which you won't troll with your inane rants, or are you that desperate for hits on your blog?

[Richard B]

The service at Coventry Cathedral was an open affair, with Most of the public outside.
the service was broadcast via a speaker to all outside.

the only sad thing about it all was a load of snapper's with 500mm lens and even step ladders that i thought was over the top snapping at the car,
they must have poor shots as even a 50mm lens was plenty, all in the confines of the entrance to the Cathedral if anyone as ever been and knows the layout will know what i mean.

Think they all missed the 2 Tonkas that overflew. the snappers really did show them selfs up in my view. it looked like the press enclosure at Duxford. Not something you want to see at funeral

Anyway me and my good wife paid our respect and was moved by the sad event.
Sean got a good send off from the people of Coventry.

[Unknown74]

What are there more idiots at the BBC? First that clown Clarkson and now this - utter disgrace.........