Sir Winston Churchill was the last non-monarch to receive a UK state funeral
A petition has been launched to give Captain Sir Tom Moore a military state funeral.
“Sir Tom Moore did so much for the NHS with his fundraising he deserves this recognition,” says the Change.org petition.
“It’s the right thing to do,” says one commenter.
“This lovely man deserves this and much more, he was everyone’s grandpa in the UK,” adds another. “Lets give him all the respect and dignity he so deserves.”
State funerals are normally only held for monarchs and very notable figures
Sir Winston Churchill was the last person to receive a state funeral in the United Kingdom, back in January 1965.
Other non-monarch to have received state funerals include Horatio Nelson, Lord Palmerston, Charles Darwin and William Gladstone.
Captain Sir Tom Moore died on Tuesday. He had recently been treated for pneumonia and Covid-19.
Moore rose to fame during the first national lockdown when he raised over £30 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden ahead of his 100th birthday.
He became Captain Sir Tom Moore when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in July 2020.
— Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) February 2, 2021
Tributes quickly started pouring in, with countless public figures hailing his inspirational actions throughout his 100-year life.
Gary Lineker said he led an “extraordinary life.”
How terribly sad: Captain Sir Tom Moore has passed away. What an extraordinary life, with the most wonderful finale over the last year. A National treasure and a hero. RIP.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 2, 2021
Piers Morgan thanked him for his courageous efforts in World War II.
RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore, 100.
A magnificent man.
A national hero.
In our darkest hour since WW2, he rallied
Britain with his resilience, courage and optimism.
Let us all heed his mantra in our own lives: ‘Tomorrow will be a good day.’
Thank you, Tom. pic.twitter.com/b0rZNfQfrI— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 2, 2021
Labour leader Keir Starmer described him as a “beacon of hope for millions.”
This is incredibly sad news.
Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions.
Britain has lost a hero.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 2, 2021
Both English national teams in football and cricket paid their respects.
We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of @captaintommoore.
We were honoured to welcome Captain Sir Tom as the leader of our #Lionhearts last year and know that what he achieved will continue to inspire so many.
All of our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/0MHiXvj4Ip
— England (@England) February 2, 2021
RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore.
An inspiration to us all ❤️ https://t.co/zbzOow8b86
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 2, 2021
The NHS’ official account thanked him for supporting the institution in a time of need.
Thanks for everything Sir Tom 💙
— NHS (@NHSuk) February 2, 2021
Susanna Reid said she was heartbroken for his family.
The man who united and inspired our nation at a moment of deepest despair. Thank you Captain Sir Tom Moore for your service. I am heartbroken for your family. A life well lived, and well loved. RIP. https://t.co/5tV7ZCuGUZ
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) February 2, 2021
London Mayor said he is a “true hero, in every sense of the word, and will be mourned by millions.”
Heartbroken to hear the news that Captain Sir Tom Moore has sadly passed away.
He was a true hero, in every sense of the word, and will be mourned by millions. My thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time. https://t.co/tAQeyDEorA
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) February 2, 2021
Liverpool Football Club’s official account hailed “an inspiration and a true hero,” adding: “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
An inspiration and a true hero.
You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️ https://t.co/l6ZjL3KlBN
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 2, 2021
