Death and State Funeral of Chairman Sporcy

The funeral of Sporcy, Chairman of the Azerothian Union was held on 20 January 2070, nearly two weeks after his death in 8 January. His death drew the attention of the multiverse, bringing together high number of mourners including heads of states in the largest attended state funeral in history.

Chairman Sporcy died of natural causes, with the news of his death abrupt. Sudden news has been attributed to press censorship, but the Orc was already in his twilight years. Immediately after the announcement of his death, he was laid in state outside his residence in the Crossroads for all to pay respects until the day of the funeral.

Death
Chairman Sporcy died in his sleep at his residence in the Crossroads during early morning of 8 January. News of his death was relayed to the Conclave of Supreme Commissars, who called for an extraordinary session. At daybreak, all ministries were ordered to prepare for a major announcement, such the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notifying foreign embassies of a coming announcement. Television channels have been disrupted, replaced with inoffensive music. All scheduled programming were suspended. Azerothian News Network announced the news to the public first in Orcish, followed by other languages recognised in the Union:

''“To all the comrades, races, nationalities and constituents of the Azerothian Union. We regret to inform you that Comrade Chairman Sporcy has passed away.''

''“At 8:34am, the Conclave of Supreme Commissars held an extraordinary session. The death of the Comrade Chairman was confirmed by the coroners. Our founder, revolutionary, and the father to the Union is now dead.''

“A feeling of great sorrow and pain is felt by all Azerothians regardless of age, gender, race, occupation, or orientation, born before or after the formation of the Union.

''“Comrade Chairman Sporcy, in life, was notable for his great popularity, whether it was in the Old Horde, to the Union he built. His teachings were compiled into what we live by today: Sporcyism. Sporcyism became a rallying dream for a world fractured by generations of war, where too many lost their loved ones. The dream came true, as we see the Twin Hammers and the Maroon Banners today, and there are no more wars between races, or the Alliance and Horde.''

''“The new peaceful era of the Sporcyist Union saw the planet reach new heights in connecting to the Great Dark Beyond. Chairman-1, challenged the stars, and eventually we invented the Azerothian Portal Jump Drive, to reach further worlds and meet new civilisations. In the new era of politics of the Great Dark Beyond, the Union joined the Laptev Axis and contributed towards international intrigues and proved the might of the united Azeroth.''

''“Beyond Laptev, the Union opened relations with nations that eventually became close allies: the New Canterlot Republic, Genji Empire, the Democratic Republic of Tarakia and Paradox. The Cosmic Defence Coalition was formed around a new brotherhood of nations, regardless of ideologies.''

''“Comrade Chairman Sporcy did not spend his time alone in a palace, or an isolated mountain. He traveled across, reaching out to everyone and speaking to all regardless. He was the people’s leader, available for anyone to visit and speak to.''

''“What we have now, what we take for granted, these all would not have happened without Comrade Chairman Sporcy. He transformed the war torn world into a power that enjoyed decades of peace at home. Without him, the Union would not have existed.”''

Domestic
Following the announcement, a public holiday was declared to allow the pause in all activities. All entertainments were cancelled, including television and sports events.

International
Democratic Republic of Tarakia & PAMA: "With the passing of chairman Sporcy, a dear ally and friend of former president of Shawn Hastings. The Democratic Republic and PAMA mourn the loss of the leader and founder of the cosmic defense coalition. The loss of this great leader has sent ripples through out the CDC as the continuity of the alliance is uncertain. In order to honor the chairman, President Alyssa Hastings has set aside CVN-98 to be named DRS Chairman Sporcy, though the carrier will be expected in early 2073."

Genji Empire: "His Imperial Majesty Tenno Sugihito, after holding an emergency session with the Diet released a statement. He proclaimed 7 days of mourning for Comrade Chairman Sporcy, and stated he wrote a letter to Comrade Ambassador Williams. Immediately after, he declared his intention to visit the Azerothian Union to attend the coming funeral, his family joining to pay respects to the late leader of the Union."

State funeral
After more than a week of wake, the state funeral for Chairman Sporcy commenced. The opening speech was given by the Supreme Commissar, followed by the Chairman's family and close associates. Foreign heads of states were also given the chance to speak, all remembering the Chairman.

The open coffin of the Chairman, was carried out of the residence in a wagon driven by his worgs, guided out by a motorcade.

Azerothians of all races arrived to give their final farewell as the coffin moved past, a testament to the fruits of unification of a previously war-torn world. The wake received visits from across the world and foreign dignitaries.

When the coffin was brought to central Barrens, the pyremasters awaited him at the magma-filled gorge. The chairman was transferred from the coffin to the prepared pyre. The Orcish pyremasters channelled the flames of the magma to light the pyre, starting the hour-long ritual. Once the cremation was complete, the Chairman's ashes were placed in an urn and brought back to the Crossroads.

Tributes
President Alyssa Hastings has aside CVN-98 to be named DRS Chairman Sporcy.

Tenno Sugihito decreed the opening of a public park named Chairman Sporcy Friendship Park.

Events after
The Chairman of the Union was left vacant, with no immediate successor announced. Events previously opened by the Chairman had Supreme Commissar Biron or General Yingour take his place until a successor can be proclaimed.

A mausoleum is under construction to intern the urn of the Chairman.