Funeral etiquette (not a suit question!)

[mdg137]

My grandfather died late last week, and the funeral was this morning.

He was a WWII pilot and navigator, and eventually retired from the US Air Force before a long civilian career-- hence, there was an honor guard from the Air Force present at the cemetery (which is available to any veteran in the US).

While the honor guard were performing their duties (folding the flag above the casket) I was utterly shocked to hear the beeps from point and shoot cameras-- I looked over, and one of my cousins, and an aunt were snapping away, and looking down to chimp their screens and delete photos.

I am by no means a prude about photography (check out my site)-- but I was absolutely appalled...

Am I out of line and over sensitive here?

 

[DocHolliday]

I'm with you. What they were doing was a distraction to others present and, therefore, out of line. But, at the same time, I suppose they wanted a last memory to keep. Military service means quite a bit to many people, and we all grieve in our own way. As such, I tend to cut people some slack, as long as what they're doing isn't obviously callous. If it was only a few quick snaps, taken from where they were seated, I'd let it go. It's not the type of thing worth causing hurt feelings in the family.

 

[mdg137]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

It's not the type of thing worth causing hurt feelings in the family.

I concur, I said nothing, just fumed...

 

[edinatlanta]

I think you shouldn't say anything now, but a simple request before the ceremony asking people to mute their cameras wouldn't be out of line.

Sorry about your loss.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by edinatlanta

I think you shouldn't say anything now, but a simple request before the ceremony asking people to mute their cameras wouldn't be out of line.

Sorry about your loss.

I seriously doubt most people who would take photos in this scenario know how to mute their cameras. A good rule of thumb is - if the camera is not already muted, the person does not know how to mute it.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

I seriously doubt most people who would take photos in this scenario know how to mute their cameras. A good rule of thumb is - if the camera is not already muted, the person does not know how to mute it.
True! At any rate, I am always choking back tears at that point, and so would not be of a mind to take pictures. Taps is incredible. ~ H

 

[redcaimen]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

True!

Taps is incredible.

~ H

It is. I used to live very close to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. They played it each evening at sundown. Very haunting in a nice way.

 

[JayJay]

I've seen not only people taking photos, but videotaping funerals, too. I found both practices to be very distracting.

 

[West24]

ive never seen it. but maybe jewish funerals are different i dunno.