WIX Archives

Re: "Fight rages on over WWII wrecks"

Posted by Rob Mears on Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:59:38 AM

In reply top "Fight rages on over WWII wrecks" posted by I Spy on Wed Jul 16, 2003 02:58:15 AM

Am I the only one who feels uneasy about the fact that the pilot's families have not been notified? The way I see it, if the whole problem centers around the "war graves" arguement, you'd think a nod from the pilot's families would be the logical move in directing the court battle. The fact that no one has considered notifying the families makes this look more like a "which of the big kids on the block will end up with the toys" situation, rather than one based on conscience.

If both parties truly want what's best for the pilots, they should be content with contacting the families and letting their wishes for their lost relatives lay the grounds for the decision. Of course, once a situation gets heated, political head-butting has it's own precedence and pace that soon overshadows the very basis for the original argument, especially when governments are involved (i.e. US Navy).

Personally, I'm happy just knowing the planes exist, and I've decided that I'll be content either way. What this is becoming is more of a show of character on the part of two contenders. The one weak point I see in the whole debate rests in the lap of the British Government. IMO thier "sacred rights" argument is completely unfounded unless it takes into consideration the heartfelt wishes of the pilot's families. If there's a chance that the familes would rather have their relative's remains repatriated then the UK should take this opportunity to make that happen. If the families wish not to disturb the location where the pilots lost their lives, then the recoverers should obviously respect those wishes. I don't think the opinion of any government, or any group of preservationists trumps the wishes of blood relatives.

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