To remind you all of this BEFORE the Poppy becomes a divisive symbol

Honestly I believe there are many people who have no idea that people of different religions/nationalities fought alongside 'us' - the 'white' British army etc.

People may know but it’s often overlooked and forgotten

Not to me it hasn't. It is so we remember the ultimate sacrifice of those who laid down their lives in war. It is also a reminder of just how appalling war is, and how much suffering it causes. Nothing pro war in that.

I also wear the purple poppy, to remember those animals who served and lost their lives in war. Nobody in their right minds could think that remembering the horrific slaughter of 8 million horses was pro war.

Just one point.
America joined in because they were attacked at Pearl Harbour. Up to that point their President had only been thinking about it.
Let's not pretend they did it to be helpful. I am not in any way dismissing the losses they suffered in case you think I don't care. I do.

I’d also really like people to remember that one of the things they fought for, especially in WW2, was the right to have freedom of expression, which includes the right NOT to wear a poppy. You can donate without wearing one, you can not donate, you can wear (last year’s) without donating, or you can donate and wear. And you should be able to do any of those without judgment, even on TV.

My post was directed at the predictable posts from those who are anti-poppy….

I wear a poppy to remember my great uncle who died on the first day of the battle of the Somme. Just a boy, eighteen years old, who had never slept away from home until he joined the army. I remember him and all his fellow brave compatriots whose lives and futures were snatched from them. All those wasted lives. I remember all those young men and women, whichever side they fought on, His mother never recovered from her loss - as I would not. All those devastated mothers. I remember.

My GF served in WW1 and after the war married a French girl from the Somme - I wouldn’t be here otherwise
DF served in WW2 and was injured twice - first time at the battle of the bulge
He always supported and sold poppies at this time of year
It means a lot to me - I wear my many poppies with pride and donate every year
Without many people’s sacrifice we would not be here

The Coats Viyella thing was aaaaages ago...can we all move on please?

When an enormous US vessel, Nimitz I think, came into Gib in the 70s the decks were racially segregated and they were not allowed ashore all together for fear of racial trouble.

I usually wear both white and red or neither.
I don't see the red poppy as a White Nationalist symbol but it does glorify serving your country in the Armed Forces and there are many other ways people served in many wars.

Now come on. If you'll believe that you'll believe anything.

Only in the minds of a certain kind of person, when I hear their drivel I find myself wishing that Hitler had won and they had had to live under the Nazis, to give them something to really whinge about.

I have zero issue with anyone wearing s poppy but think that among entertainers or famous people its performative. Look at the abuse James Mc Lean gets every year. He had explained so many times that he is from Derry and British paratroupers murdered 12 people on Bloody Sunday in his city. It should be a choice to wear it or not

I absolutely think A LOT of people don't!

There is an active white poppy movement to symbolise peace, has been for many years. You won't be turned away from a memorial for not wearing a poppy, or choosing a white one.

So, wear what do want and do as you please as regards your politics, because that's actually what those who served, black and white, were fighting for.

I remember when I started teaching in the uk and I was told by the head of the school I was teaching to wear a poppy. I said no…he said why and I said “I’m Irish I’ve never worn a poppy, and I never will”…

Because they’re not supporting veterans of the world wars any more (or few). They’re mostly supporting retired professional soldiers. That makes it less about sacrifice and more about the glorification of war.

Firstly, the army should be supporting those newer veterans. It shouldn’t be up to a charity to do so.
Secondly, I don’t support those wars, NI , Iraq etc.
Also, they were very anti LGBTQ until quite late in the day though that’s changed I believe.

Don’t talk rubbish!

Right fair enough they helped,I thank them for that,
that was a long time ago though,now Pakistan bang on about all the gold we stole from them,
other countries do not want to be part of the commonwealth,
Muslims want our land,(don’t say they don’t the protest the other day says so)
what makes be sad is for thousands of years people have fought to keep our country English!we can’t use swords like they did!

Please can you explain why it’s problematic? Genuine question, not goady. I can’t find anything online and I’ve asked another poster the same question. Would really value a link or source.

First anniversary of Commonwealth War Memorial
The first anniversary of the only Commonwealth War Memorial outside London is being marked with a special event in Bradford.
The memorial, unveiled on 6 November 2024, next to the Bradford Cenotaph, recognises the Commonwealth contribution in the two World Wars. The memorial stands as a symbol of equality, unity, and gratitude, instilling pride among Britain’s diverse Commonwealth communities for the immense contributions of their ancestors

Remembering those who died in the World Wars is a good idea.
Supporting the Royal British Legion who sell the poppies is very problematic. Can’t do it.