Will you buy and wear a poppy?

[Christmas Dynasnow]

In the year that marks the centenary of the start of one of the costliest conflicts in our history, The Royal British Legion is encouraging everyone to support the Poppy Appeal for the memory of the fallen and the future of the living.

The Legion created the Poppy Appeal to help those returning from the First World War. A century on from the start of that conflict, we're still helping today's Armed Forces families in much the same way, whether coping with bereavement, living with disability, or finding employment.

When you donate to the Poppy Appeal you help:

bereaved families to Live On
wounded Service men and women to Live On
younger veterans seeking employment and housing to Live On
older veterans needing age-related care to Live On

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal

http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/files/2014/08/tower.jpg


or do you think it glorifies war and does not move us on as a society - should we learn about why we go to war and how humans are essentially warlike animals?

[Kazanne]

I always wear a poppy,and hope it helps in some small way.Really want to see that display in London.I don't think it glorifies it so much as it's nice to remember them.

[bots]

Maybe I'm being a bit controversial, but to me those needing assistance after a family member has served their country should be looked after by the country without needing a special appeal to achieve it.

Fine with the remembrance side if it, but the government (we) should pay for it by default.

[waterhog]

fab - saw babs and stacey on news this morning promoting it. love it.

[Kyle]

Yeh I get those pin badge ones instead of the plastic ones if I can.

[kirklancaster]

Maybe I'm being a bit controversial, but to me those needing assistance after a family member has served their country should be looked after by the country without needing a special appeal to achieve it.

Fine with the remembrance side if it, but the government (we) should pay for it by default.

I always buy and wear Poppies but I do agree with you BitontheSlide. It's a disgrace that they don't receive all the support they need from the State. It infuriates me that St Dunstans has to rely on public donations to exist too - we seem to have ample tens of millions to squander elsewhere on those that not only have never fought for this Country but actually desire it's downfall.

[Christmas Dynasnow]

I always buy and wear Poppies but I do agree with you BitontheSlide. It's a disgrace that they don't receive all the support they need from the State. It infuriates me that St Dunstans has to rely on public donations to exist too - we seem to have ample tens of millions to squander elsewhere on those that not only have never fought for this Country but actually desire it's downfall.

£300,000,000 a year to Ethiopia


http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/06/britain-supporting-dictatorship-in-ethiopia

[Santa's NaughtiNess]

I'm not allowed to wear one at work, but i would buy it and wear it when i go out.

[kirklancaster]

£300,000,000 a year to Ethiopia


http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/06/britain-supporting-dictatorship-in-ethiopia

This is so FKing infuriating. Who is responsible for formulating these insane policies? What's more sickening is that it's the tip of a very large iceberg.

[kirklancaster]

I'm not allowed to wear one at work, but i would buy it and wear it when i go out.

:shrug:Why can't you wear one at work?

[Santa's NaughtiNess]

:shrug:Why can't you wear one at work?

It's a food factory.

[kirklancaster]

It's a food factory.

Oh.... Hygienic reasons. Thanks Vanessa - thought it might be another insane PC reason. :wavey:

[Santa's NaughtiNess]

Oh.... Hygienic reasons. Thanks Vanessa - thought it might be another insane PC reason. :wavey:

I would still buy one. It's a good cause.

[arista]

I will give money to them
But not wear a poppy


like that ITV1London news caster does not
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/11/13/article-2505791-1962405400000578-142_634x447.jpg

[andybigbro]

Yeah, I hate the ones with no pins though.

What's the point? Where you meant to put it?

[JoshBB]

I'll probably wear a white poppy, yes.

[Kizzy]

I have a poppy yes, what are the white ones for?

[JoshBB]

I have a poppy yes, what are the white ones for?

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.

[T*]

Yes, of course. I will never not.

[Ninastar]

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.

http://i.stack.imgur.com/jiFfM.jpg

[T*]

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.


W..what?! No-one in their right mind would wear a red one to state that they want more war.. It contradicts what the Poppy is meant for- To remember whom we lost in wars.

[Kizzy]

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.

:umm2:

[T*]

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.


:facepalm:

[rubymoo]

I always put money in the poppy box but i don't wear one, they have a little parade close to where i live......it always makes me cry:( i always feel sad for the loss of life.....

[Livia]

The white ones also promote pacifism (against any new wars to prevent more lost lives). They were introduced because there are some people who wear red poppies that want us to fight more 'to make our country proud'. As little deaths as possible is best in my opinion.

Probably your most ridiculous post ever.

[Christmas Dynasnow]

WHITE POPPIES ARE FOR PEACE

The idea of decoupling Armistice Day, the red poppy and later Remembrance Day from their military culture dates back to 1926, just a few years after the British Legion was persuaded to try using the red poppy as a fundraising tool in Britain.

A member of the No More War Movement suggested that the British Legion should be asked to imprint 'No More War' in the centre of the red poppies instead of ‘Haig Fund’ and failing this pacifists should make their own flowers.

The details of any discussion with the British Legion are unknown but as the centre of the red poppy displayed the ‘Haig Fund’ imprint until 1994 it was clearly not successful. A few years later the idea was again discussed by the Co-operative Women's Guild. In 1933 the first white poppies appeared on Armistice Day (called Remembrance Day after World War Two). The white poppy was not intended as an insult to those who died in the First World War - a war in which many of the white poppy supporters lost husbands, brothers, sons and lovers - but a challenge to the continuing drive to war. The following year the newly founded Peace Pledge Union began widespread distribution of the poppies and their annual promotion.

http://www.ppu.org.uk/whitepoppy/

[Kizzy]

I would wear both, but I've never seen a white poppy on sale anywhere.

[Josy]

TBF to Josh here, the white poppies are sold and worn as a symbol for peace.

[In the Drunk Tank]

I understand the motives behind the white poppy tbh and used to quite like the idea (still sorta agree with the premise, I just don't think it's that necessary). In the same way that the Union Flag has become quite appropriated by nationalists, the poppy has imo become increasingly associated with a jingoistic brand of patriotism and been exploited for cynical political purposes instead of purely lamenting war and its losses.

I've gotten over my issues with the red poppy now though because I realise that even if the above is true it doesn't take away from the meaning and poignancy of the red poppy and also that it doesn't have to necessarily stand for one thing. It can be a very personal symbol that holds different connotations for different people, an act of remembrance doesn't need to be politicised and there doesn't need to be a distinction between pacifists and non pacifists, red and white.

[Livia]

WHITE POPPIES ARE FOR PEACE

The idea of decoupling Armistice Day, the red poppy and later Remembrance Day from their military culture dates back to 1926, just a few years after the British Legion was persuaded to try using the red poppy as a fundraising tool in Britain.

A member of the No More War Movement suggested that the British Legion should be asked to imprint 'No More War' in the centre of the red poppies instead of ‘Haig Fund’ and failing this pacifists should make their own flowers.

The details of any discussion with the British Legion are unknown but as the centre of the red poppy displayed the ‘Haig Fund’ imprint until 1994 it was clearly not successful. A few years later the idea was again discussed by the Co-operative Women's Guild. In 1933 the first white poppies appeared on Armistice Day (called Remembrance Day after World War Two). The white poppy was not intended as an insult to those who died in the First World War - a war in which many of the white poppy supporters lost husbands, brothers, sons and lovers - but a challenge to the continuing drive to war. The following year the newly founded Peace Pledge Union began widespread distribution of the poppies and their annual promotion.

http://www.ppu.org.uk/whitepoppy/

After the formation of the White Poppy in the thirties, how very fortunate for everyone here enjoying their freedom of speech and expression, that the "No More War" message wasn't adhered to. No one wants war, but sometimes you have to fight for a cause. Had there been 'No More War' we would probably be speaking German now. Well, not you, Trumpet, you'd probably have a smattering. And I wouldn't be here at all, and neither would any of my family.

No one wants war less than the people who have to fight them but sometimes it is necessary to take up arms. Luckily, there are people willing to do that, and sometimes give up their lives for our national freedom and I think that one day a year, it's not too much to ask to show them some respect and remembrance without someone wanting to hijack the message that is simply... We Will Remember Them.

[JoshBB]

After the formation of the White Poppy in the thirties, how very fortunate for everyone here enjoying their freedom of speech and expression, that the "No More War" message wasn't adhered to. No one wants war, but sometimes you have to fight for a cause. Had there been 'No More War' we would probably be speaking German now. Well, not you, Trumpet, you'd probably have a smattering. And I wouldn't be here at all, and neither would any of my family.

No one wants war less than the people who have to fight them but sometimes it is necessary to take up arms. Luckily, there are people willing to do that, and sometimes give up their lives for our national freedom and I think that one day a year, it's not too much to ask to show them some respect and remembrance without someone wanting to hijack the message that is simply... We Will Remember Them.

tbh, if World War One wasn't started then Hitler wouldn't have gone on to WW2. Germany wasn't responsible for WW1 however they were forced to take all responsibility which led to anger and the anti-semitism etc.

[Kyle]

Some people just want to stick the boot in at everything nowadays.

I am fine with a red poppy and I don't want any more wars either.

[Ninastar]

After the formation of the White Poppy in the thirties, how very fortunate for everyone here enjoying their freedom of speech and expression, that the "No More War" message wasn't adhered to. No one wants war, but sometimes you have to fight for a cause. Had there been 'No More War' we would probably be speaking German now. Well, not you, Trumpet, you'd probably have a smattering. And I wouldn't be here at all, and neither would any of my family.

No one wants war less than the people who have to fight them but sometimes it is necessary to take up arms. Luckily, there are people willing to do that, and sometimes give up their lives for our national freedom and I think that one day a year, it's not too much to ask to show them some respect and remembrance without someone wanting to hijack the message that is simply... We Will Remember Them.

preach, mother****ing preach...

Seriously, I swear people think all these wars are caused because some 'white guy' thinks YAY I THINK ITS TIME FOR A WAR!!!!!!!!! Yay lets kill people!!!!!111

The thing is, sometimes whether we go to war or not, people are killed in the most horrific ways possible. Sometimes it takes a war to stop these things from happening.

Its awful that we have to go to war... especially in this day and age where we've come so far. But when there are people who threaten to kill us in our very own countries, it's sometimes necessary.

[Livia]

tbh, if World War One wasn't started then Hitler wouldn't have gone on to WW2. Germany wasn't responsible for WW1 however they were forced to take all responsibility which led to anger and the anti-semitism etc.

Is that right.

[Christmas Dynasnow]

tbh, if World War One wasn't started then Hitler wouldn't have gone on to WW2. Germany wasn't responsible for WW1 however they were forced to take all responsibility which led to anger and the anti-semitism etc.

Gavrilo Princip is responsible for the Holocaust?

hew new?

[Livia]

Gavrilo Princip is responsible for the Holocaust?

hew new?

It's a frickin' education on here sometimes, innit.

Hope you're having a splendid birthday. I'm coming round later to give you the bumps.

[Christmas Dynasnow]

It's a frickin' education on here sometimes, innit.

Hope you're having a splendid birthday. I'm coming round later to give you the bumps.

:idc:

I found out after the last time you came that "no one" has to be tied face down to a bed to get the bumps, not even "proper ones" as you called it.

And I put the "you know what" in the bin anyway as the dog chewed trough the straps

[kirklancaster]

I understand the motives behind the white poppy tbh and used to quite like the idea (still sorta agree with the premise, I just don't think it's that necessary). In the same way that the Union Flag has become quite appropriated by nationalists, the poppy has imo become increasingly associated with a jingoistic brand of patriotism and been exploited for cynical political purposes instead of purely lamenting war and its losses.

I've gotten over my issues with the red poppy now though because I realise that even if the above is true it doesn't take away from the meaning and poignancy of the red poppy and also that it doesn't have to necessarily stand for one thing. It can be a very personal symbol that holds different connotations for different people, an act of remembrance doesn't need to be politicised and there doesn't need to be a distinction between pacifists and non pacifists, red and white.

:clap1::clap1::clap1:

[Tom4784]

Always buy one but I never wear them.

[arista]

TBF to Josh here, the white poppies are sold and worn as a symbol for peace.


Yes Anti War

[Liam-]

I've never bought or worn a poppy before, but now that I know about the white ones, i think I'll get myself one of them.

[Livia]

I've never bought or worn a poppy before, but now that I know about the white ones, i think I'll get myself one of them.

Good for you, Liam. And when you pin it on, remember that people died so that you have the freedom and the right to do that.

[Northern Monkey]

The poppy can only be a good thing as it raises money for our brave soldiers.I also agree with those that say we should'nt need charities to look after our soldiers,The state sends them to war a should look after them for the rest of their life when they come home.It's also good that we remember what our grand parents did for us to have the life that we have now,I'm pretty certain i would'nt look good in Lederhosen.The white poppy just seems like some ass holes wanting to hijack,insult and be different to the red poppy tbh.Just take it for what it is and appreciate what those brave soldiers did for us.

[Livia]

The poppy can only be a good thing as it raises money for our brave soldiers.I also agree with those that say we should'nt need charities to look after our soldiers,The state sends them to war a should look after them for the rest of their life when they come home.It's also good that we remember what our grand parents did for us to have the life that we have now,I'm pretty certain i would'nt look good in Lederhosen.The white poppy just seems like some ass holes wanting to hijack,insult and be different to the red poppy tbh.

You should try the lederhosen, it could be a good look for you. We'll need pics, of course...

[Northern Monkey]

You should try the lederhosen, it could be a good look for you. We'll need pics, of course...

Lol,I don't wanna get you all excited,I'd have some jealous husbands after me:joker:

[kirklancaster]

Good for you, Liam. And when you pin it on, remember that people died so that you have the freedom and the right to do that.

Yes Liv -- Everyone should remember. Poppies are not about supporting any war, they are about honoring and respecting those poor soldiers who lost their lives fighting in wars on our behalf.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

And the equally as sad and poignant:

"When you go home, tell them of us and say: 'For your tomorrow we gave our today'"

From the Kohima Epitaph for those who lost their young lives fighting in the Burma campaign.

Lest We Forget.

[Livia]

Paul, go on, we'll all try to control ourselves...

Kirk, beautiful, if something so sad, so poignant, can be beautiful. You know what I mean.

[Candy Annie Cane]

I always buy one....and I shall be going to the cenotaph this year as it is the first Remembrance Day my grandfather, who fought and was injured in WW2 is not here to go himself :love:

[Livia]

I always buy one....and I shall be going to the cenotaph this year as it is the first Remembrance Day my grandfather, who fought and was injured in WW2 is not here to go himself :love:

That's very special that you'll be there representing your Grandfather.

[Marc]

I have a nice metal one. Will wear it

[Firewire]

I don't wear one but I normally donate if I see a donations tin

[Rob!]

Tbh poppies have got a lot more political nuances behind them than they used to - as this thread has demonstrated, it's not just a case of remembering those who died. Until I completely understand what I'm pinning on my chest, I don't want to.

[Black Dagger]

I don't wear one but I normally donate if I see a donations tin

[2]

[Firewire]

[2]

Only reason for it really is that they only have plastic ones in Scotland so you can't really pin them to clothes.

[smudgie]

I don't buy a poppy every year as such, depends if I am out anD about.

I pay donations to the Help the Heroes twice a year through direct debit, one of my chosen charities.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrval of five of those beautiful poppies from the tower, had an email this morning to say they might not arrive until January.

As to wearing a white poppy, lovely sentiment wanting world peace..good luck with that one..perhaps a white dove would be more appropriate as it is the symbol of peace.:shrug:

[joeysteele]

Yes,I always do.

[Kizzy]

I saw Caroline Lucas wearing both on question time, it is a wholly political issue war and one that is close to my heart as my grandfather actually served in WW1 ( yes I really am that old) the days of being proud to defend queen and country are they still as valid today as they were then....
Are mothers proud to send their sons to fight as it's for 'the greater good'?
I don't feel today it is as obvious what we are actually fighting for... which begs the question why? I don't feel those in power have as much respect for those who risk their lives reflected in how they are treated on return injured and traumatised either.

[Ammi]

..yes I do wear one, I would never think not to..I don't think that any of us have not benefited from a country who some have given their lives for..I usually wear it from around mid-October when we get them at the school...

[Livia]

I saw Caroline Lucas wearing both on question time, it is a wholly political issue war and one that is close to my heart as my grandfather actually served in WW1 ( yes I really am that old) the days of being proud to defend queen and country are they still as valid today as they were then....
Are mothers proud to send their sons to fight as it's for 'the greater good'?
I don't feel today it is as obvious what we are actually fighting for... which begs the question why? I don't feel those in power have as much respect for those who risk their lives reflected in how they are treated on return injured and traumatised either.

So your pride in wearing your poppy is greater because people were more patriotic when your grandfather served, regardless of the fact that largely working class men were sent to be cannon fodder in horrific conditions by a government that didn't care. Some were shot for cowardice when they were obviously suffering PTSD and thousands were horrifically wounded and had to rely on charity on their return. But people wearing a poppy in remembrance of someone who died more recently might not be so proud of their dead sons/husbands/fathers because you don't consider the later wars valid.

I am proud to wear my poppy for my Grandfather, for my Father and for my Husband all of whom were proud to serve their country. If people want to use Remembrance Day to score political points, then shame on them.

[JoshBB]

So your pride in wearing your poppy is greater because people were more patriotic when your grandfather served, regardless of the fact that largely working class men were sent to be cannon fodder in horrific conditions by a government that didn't care. Some were shot for cowardice when they were obviously suffering PTSD and thousands were horrifically wounded and had to rely on charity on their return. But people wearing a poppy in remembrance of someone who died more recently might not be so proud of their dead sons/husbands/fathers because you don't consider the later wars valid.

I am proud to wear my poppy for my Grandfather, for my Father and for my Husband all of whom were proud to serve their country. If people want to use Remembrance Day to score political points, then shame on them.

I really like the idea of a red poppy meaning something to a specific individual, and that's why I wouldn't go around criticising people who do. The white poppy, in my opinion, is not supposed to be a political thing. If you were aiming this at Caroline, she wore both because she wanted to support the people who died while also showing that she doesn't want more people to die over mostly trivial reasons.

[Livia]

I really like the idea of a red poppy meaning something to a specific individual, and that's why I wouldn't go around criticising people who do. The white poppy, in my opinion, is not supposed to be a political thing. If you were aiming this at Caroline, she wore both because she wanted to support the people who died while also showing that she doesn't want more people to die over mostly trivial reasons.

Josh... no one wants anyone to die. I'm going to clear up my position for you then I don't want to talk to you about this again. My husband died as a result of wounds received in Afghanistan. He was not a war monger, he didn't want to be at war... so if I want to wear my red poppy in remembrance of him, and be proud of him, and be a little pissed off that the white poppy brigade are hijacking the day, then I will be a little pissed off. If you want a white poppy day, have it some other time.

[Liam-]

Hijacking the day?.. The poppy is the sign of remembrance of all those soldiers who fought and died for the country.. if someone wants to wear a white poppy as a symbol of remembrance, which just so happens to be white as a symbol of wanting war to stop so no more people have to die, i don't the issue with that? They're still paying respects to the people everyone else is.

[Livia]

Hijacking the day?.. The poppy is the sign of remembrance of all those soldiers who fought and died for the country.. if someone wants to wear a white poppy as a symbol of remembrance, which just so happens to be white as a symbol of wanting war to stop so no more people have to die, i don't the issue with that? They're still paying respects to the people everyone else is.

They are not paying respect. They are taking the day and using it for their own political agenda. And actually, didn't you just hear about the white poppy the day before yesterday? And now you're telling me what it stands for?

Have your white poppy day at another time. Knock yourself out with it... and let us have Remembrance Day where the money raised from red poppies goes to support ex-servicemen and women and their families.

[Liam-]

So it's your way or the highway then? Because other people have ways of respecting, remembering and honouring that differ from yours, it's less valid that your way?

Last time i checked, that's now how this country works, everyone is entitled to show respect in any way they please, why should people have their 'white poppy day' any other time other than on remembrance day itself? It's all a part of honouring the soldiers, just with a different message, that no more people should have to die.

[Kizzy]

So your pride in wearing your poppy is greater because people were more patriotic when your grandfather served, regardless of the fact that largely working class men were sent to be cannon fodder in horrific conditions by a government that didn't care. Some were shot for cowardice when they were obviously suffering PTSD and thousands were horrifically wounded and had to rely on charity on their return. But people wearing a poppy in remembrance of someone who died more recently might not be so proud of their dead sons/husbands/fathers because you don't consider the later wars valid.

I am proud to wear my poppy for my Grandfather, for my Father and for my Husband all of whom were proud to serve their country. If people want to use Remembrance Day to score political points, then shame on them.

Nobody is doing this, my point is yes people were then more patriotic, and willing to serve as the enemy was palpable.
I did not say the wars were not valid, it was just not as evident what we were actually fighting for.