Will you be wearing a poppy?

[thingsthatmakeyougohmmmmmmmm]

To support the work that the Royal British Legion do.

Nobody around here seems to be wearing one.

Yes I’ll be wearing one.

I wonder how many people who judge others if they don't wear a poppy are the same people who talk about "wokeness" and "cancel culture"

Do I wear a poppy?
Not really

I do give money to the British Legion. People have made a sacrifice for us. I do also go to Remembrance Sunday Events.

As a world, we still haven't learnt the lessons of history.

Some History of the Red poppy from University Days

The Red Poppy as a Symbol of Remembrance: Origins and Significance

The red poppy, with its delicate petals and vibrant hue, has come to symbolize remembrance in the context of war and conflict. This poignant symbol traces its roots back to the aftermath of World War I, capturing the collective grief and honoring the sacrifices of those who served. This essay explores the origins and significance of the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Historical Context:

The devastating toll of World War I left scars on nations and communities, both physically and emotionally. As the war drew to a close in 1918, the battlefields of Western Europe, once landscapes of bloodshed, were transformed into fields of red poppies. The resilient poppy, blooming amidst the destruction, became a powerful metaphor for the enduring human spirit and the hope for renewal.

Inspiration from John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields":

The iconic poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician and soldier, played a pivotal role in popularizing the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance. McCrae composed the poem in 1915, inspired by the sight of poppies growing amid the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders, Belgium. The poem's haunting verses vividly described the poppies as "row on row" and implored the living to take up the torch, to remember and honor the dead.

Establishment of the Poppy as a Symbol:

The poignant imagery in McCrae's poem resonated deeply with the public, and the red poppy soon became a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. In 1920, the American Legion adopted the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance, and the practice quickly spread to other Allied nations. The Royal British Legion in the United Kingdom began selling red poppies as a way to raise funds for veterans and their families.

Symbolic Significance:

The red poppy carries profound symbolic significance. Its vibrant color represents the bloodshed on the battlefield, while its delicate petals symbolize the fragility of life. The act of wearing a red poppy is not merely a passive acknowledgment but a deliberate gesture of remembrance, a commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Conclusion:

The red poppy, born from the ravages of war and immortalized in poetry, has transcended its floral origins to become an enduring symbol of remembrance. Its adoption by veterans' organizations and the general public underscores its universal resonance as a token of gratitude for the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace. As long as conflicts persist, the red poppy will continue to serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring need for remembrance.

@Canthave2manycats

WW1 really had nothing to do with fighting for our freedoms.

It was about maintaining relationships in Europe and really did consist of the UK (and others) involving itself in a war that had nothing to do with it.

WW2 did involve a war for freedoms - but it was a consequence of WW1.

For the record, I have a history degree and studied the world wars in detail.

I wear a White poppy.
I may also wear a purple one this year as my dcs bought me one.

Yes absolutely but not got one yet.

I was primarily referring to WW2.

Yes, bought one yesterday.

Why do you assume that those of us who don't wear a poppy have forgotten?

I could make a horrendous list of what happened to members of my family and my inlaw family during both wars, as another pp has. A heart-rending book has been written about the experiences of a couple of those relatives. I will never forget those stories. But I don't wear a poppy.

I'm pretty sure that a lot of people who wear poppies don't actually give those who died in the wars much throught at all. They see it as just something you are socially obliged to do.

What we think, feel and remember is not about a poppy. Nor does a poppy express anythhing these days.

White one here too.

Of course the Right wing are going to get involved when you have a Religious group who think it’s ok to burn the British flag and Poppies - there will always be a kick back. Both groups are morons.

The Poppy is to remember the poor innocent people who had absolutely no idea of what they were getting themselves into, thought they’d be home be Christmas. They gave their lives, became maimed, lost their mental health so we can have the freedom to decide whether to wear a Poppy or not. I’ll be wearing mine to remember them no politics involved.

Thanks for the reminder. Yes, I will be.

You didn't have to make offensive references to suicide either but you chose to

Yes

WTF are you on???

Wow, the nastiness towards each other on this thread is so awful. I’m going to take a break from mn because reading how horrible you are to each other is not intelligent it’s just plain nasty.

Nope

@Housemove18 which religious group is that then? go on, tell us...

No sorry.

I reported your offensive comment and I note it has been deleted so i won't repeat it as it was horribly triggering (I lost a school friend that way)

Absolutely! Bought some yesterday (although I have a drawerful from previous years....😃)

Our biggest problem has always been where to go to support our DCs for the actual ceremony. They have been torn between various things since Beavers in different towns/churches aged about 6. Moved to cubs in the same town so things were easier, but as they got older DS joined cadets and it was always a juggle whether he did that or scouts, this year they are both in cadets and were doing explorers too but that has just (sadly) folded so maybe the stars will align....

Who is “our”? The UK? Because WWI wasn’t fought for British freedoms. WW2, eh, maybe in hindsight. No doubt UK would have eventually had to get involved, but it wasn’t on the pretext of “our” freedom.
I have grandparents who lived and served during WW2, BTW. They didn’t need lip service ice about respect, they just wanted a better world to leave to their children.

Some analysis of WWI

World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was a complex and multifaceted conflict with a range of contributing factors. It involved many nations and was triggered by a combination of political, economic, military, and social factors. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 is often cited as the immediate cause, but underlying tensions and alliances played a significant role in the outbreak of the war.

The war cannot be simplistically characterized as a battle for "our freedom" in a universal sense. Different nations had different motivations and objectives during World War I. The major powers involved, including Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and others, were driven by a mix of geopolitical ambitions, national interests, imperialistic goals, and security concerns.

For example, the war had profound effects on the European balance of power and the reshaping of national borders, but it did not have a straightforward connection to the concept of freedom for all. It led to significant social and political changes, including the collapse of empires, the redrawing of maps, and the establishment of new nations. The aftermath of World War I also set the stage for subsequent conflicts, including World War II.

In summary, while World War I had far-reaching consequences and shaped the course of history, characterizing it as a simple battle for "our freedom" oversimplifies the complex geopolitical and historical factors that contributed to the conflict. The motivations of the various nations involved were diverse and multifaceted.

for those who don't want to read all the pages of comments, here is summary:

poster category 1 - yes, I will proudly wear a poppy to honor the many who have died in wars

poster category 2 - yes I will proudly wear a poppy to honor the many who died, especially my dad/grandad/uncle etc.

poster category 3 - I donate to the veterans but don't wear a poppy due to environmental concerns/because this symbol has been hijacked by certain groups I am concerned about/war is complex/I wear a white or other coloured poppy etc.

poster category 4: 3 is a traitor and should be shot. how dare they not wear a poppy.

poster 3: tries to reason

poster 4: traitor!!!!

ad infinitum...

I have no idea what you are talking about!!