To be conflicted about Remembrance Services?

It not all about loss, it's also about community, take a look at this article. Equally you would be able to attend our services, but also ones abroad.https://alisonlittle.blog/2025/11/07/rivers-of-poppies-at-christ-church-united-reformed-church-port-sunlight-a-stunning-tribute-of-remembrance/

What was his reason for saying that? Certainly veterans have spoken out before against performative poppy wearing or shaming people who are seen to be showing respect in a particular way. Or was he horrified at the increase in racism and poor treatment of those not seen to be “British” ebough?

I'm aware of that. I don't need to have it explained to me, and don't feel the need to explain my background to others.

I'm also well aware that I have freedom to act as I choose, and know why I have that freedom. Why was this a factor you felt the need to explain?

You can generally rest assured that if you're alive to the history of what this symbolism represents, others will be, too. And this mode of attempting to shame anyone who doesn't show 'acceptable' gestures of conformity - by issuing a mild admonition in the tone that 'they know not what they do', merely because they're failing to mark a remembrance in the way you deem appropriate - is precisely what I referred to upthread.

The above post is a very eloquent illustratation of this.

No wonder that WW2 veteran breakfast tv this week said he’d wish he hadn’t bothered

it’s a mark of respect for those who were prepared to make a sacrifice you either didn’t want to or couldn’t (in this day age mostly not wanting to I should think)

"I have my own mode of respect. But thanks for the tip."

I rest my case. Your freedom and respect and what you do with it is your business, people fought and died for freedom, and your silly sarcasm.

Actually, you’re being combative because you don’t like my beliefs. Ironic really.
I don’t feel that I need to do a 2 minute silence to be grateful once a year or wear a paper flower to appreciate the sacrifices made. Neither did my previous partner who saw active service in the military. If you do, cool, but telling me I’m pathetic and need grow up because you don’t like that my choice differs is very lazy bullying.

You are trying to pick a fight and it is frankly a bit pathetic. Grow up, and show a little empathy.
Our government sends soldiers out to fight in our name, rightly or wrongly. I choose to join with others at a special time and remember those who did not come back, but gave their lives for us. That is all. Now be on your way.

I have my own mode of respect. But thanks for the tip.

Don't ever move to Lewes.

They close the whole town for the entire evening from about 5pm every bonfire night. The trains stop running in the early afternoon, too.

Exactly. Our town has huge diversions for a 10k race recently.

England wasn’t the only country at war with Germany 🙄

My own Scottish city was very frequently bombed.

@JH0404good for you 🤷‍♀️? I think it has been turn in to much of a thing in this country. I’m entitled to my opinion. Which I am fully aware i am allowed to do due to the the efforts in the first and Second World War but it is too much.

Fucking hell op. Best you don't get involved seeing as you have absolutely no clue about it.
Remembrance day stems from the end of the first world war and is in no way a celebration of war.
It's to commemorate all those who died or suffered and continue to suffer due to all conflicts. Not just British soldiers but soldiers from other countries.

sure but why are you conflicted?

Not being funny but my town close the roads to parade Santa followed by decorated shopping trolleys every year…. I think it’s fine for remembrance Sunday

I don’t think there’s a simplified way of saying ‘making a difference’.

Don’t you do that at any other time? Shame on you.

@dynamiccactuswell my town doesn’t have anything like that apart from a gala day and I feel exactly the same when roads are closed then and I can’t get out of my street.

See also carnivals, Christmas markets, running races, normal markets, street parties. Which are much less "worthy".

Serafinas you do what you want to do, but I wear a poppy as a sign of respect. I stand for the two minute silence.
My Father was a Royal Marine, and
I like to show him and others who fought respect. I donate to a service charity, my choice, and remember, these people fought so you have a choice.

I think most people do understand the causes. But I also think it's too much. I am sure it didn't used to be the case that there was a 2 minute silence on 11th AND on the nearest Sunday.

Having said that, given the likes of Trump and Farage, maybe we need to keep banging home the message that war isn't good and leads to millions of deaths.

@Namelessnellyyou don’t think it’s a bit much to close all the main roads so no public transport can be used due to a bunch of adults choosing to march down and then back up the road again?

Why?

My whole town came to a stand still. Roads in and out closed for their parade personally I think that’s a bit much.

So are ours.