Was this typical WWI funeral?

Question

Found and uploaded photos of the funeral of George Darling-1480 KIA in WWI.  Seems like a large and elaborate funeral and procession for a little, tiny Vermont town -- he was enlisted, not officer and I'm not aware of any special commendations-- was this typical?  am I missing something?

Comments

They had to make their own entertainment in those days.

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Hi Delsie,

I'm from a small Vt town, as are 1/2 of my ancestors.  Nice to meet you.

It was a big deal when members of a small town went to war, and a loss felt by all when any one would not return.  It was that way during the Revolution and is still that way today.

I think the size of the celebrations could vary depending on the funds available, the wishes of the family, the traditions of that town, etc.

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Nice profile by the way.  Super way to honor him.

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I went to a funeral for my great Aunt's husband, a man I called Uncle Johnny]] http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/King-6692 in 1965.  He had been in "the trenches" in France is the story and he had TB his whole life ('though you wouldn't have known it except that he was always very slim).  He was buried in "WWI fashion" complete with dress blues uniform (like a Yankee - he was from Alabama so this was a complete shock :D  ).  There was a real twenty-one gun salute with these little canons (like toys) that fired likely blank shotgun shells, a flag on his coffin that got folded into a triangle by some soldiers following a very big funeral procession with police on motorcycle rounding up the cars, much like the photo.  He was well-liked and I remember he looked like a cross between Colonel Sanders and Don Quixote.  :D

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Thank you Keith.  They were not wealthy, but his parents were much admired, clearly the community rallied to create this show of respect.

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Thank you Vincent.  The genealogy is important, but I love the personal stories!

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Very nice profile, Delsie.  I love the personal recollection of his sister.  Thanks for adding his name to the Roll of Honor.  You may also want to consider adding the Great War template to his profile, too.

Answer 1

I would say yes.  First, it depend on the family and individual's wishes.  Next, consider time and place.  Even though enlisted, he maybe have one of the few from that community.  Even so, locally may be considered a hero in their eyes. Another consideration would be the soldier's tie to his unit and community.  Based on the above and my experience as a serviceman, I would consider this to normal in the circumstances.