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

[OneAmusedShark]

That in the First and Second World Wars, literally hundreds as thousands of black and Asian people fought for Britain.

They answered the call, as volunteers, to fight in the trenches side by side with white British soldiers.

Soldiers from Africa, the Caribbean and what is now India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs…
they all did their bit.

Winston Churchill is on record praising them. He said “The bravery of Indian soldiers, both Hindu and Muslim, is unparalleled in the history of warfare”,

Don’t forget also the Eastern Europeans who fought the Nazis alongside us,
especially the Polish airmen.

And remember this, when the Americans came over with their segregated units,
and tried to impose segregation in local pubs and cafes near where they were stationed, Churchill refused to assist them.

Remember the Battle of Bamber Bridge where white US military police tried to stop black troops from drinking in certain pubs, and the local British population sided with the black troops.

So if you’re white British, next time you see someone of African, Caribbean or Asian heritage, just remember that their Grandfather or Great Grandfather or Great Great Grandfather may have fought alongside yours in WW1 or WW2.

When we wear the Poppy,
we remember ALL of them and give thanks for their sacrifice.

Well most people who have a brain know it's devisive and why it is, and it has been for a very long time. People with chips like to give all the details so that people either (a) are silenced or (b) prostate themselves at the feet of the person who actually didn't do anything, just ride on the coattails of relatives. I haven't said who did what or when or how. You were rude to me first.

No. We are only allowed to hate the Russians remember?

Interesting point though because the Russians always seem to get downplayed whenever Remembrance Day is mentioned.

Did you know that there are at least 1,800 armed forces charities registered in the UK yet the mental health, addiction, homelessness and suicide rates of veterans is rising unabated.
They question should be asked, who are they actually helping?

I don't wear a poppy. I donate to Royal British Legion...my parents were members till they died. Dad was in Bomber Command and mum on WAAF. Grandfather lost a limb at Somme.
I have assembled poppies and sold them in supermarkets.
But I choose not to wear a poppy.

You are right. Late recognition, though.

From AI:

Historically,
war widows and certain groups of civilian women (such as the Women's Land Army) were not permitted to join the main march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Their exclusion was a matter of significant controversy and campaigning for many years.

War Widows

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the War Widows Association (WWA) was excluded from the main Cenotaph service and march. They used their exclusion to highlight their fight for better pensions and official recognition. The Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Home Office initially only allowed a limited number of war widows to march as part of the RBL's Women's Section, which the WWA largely rejected as they felt it confined them to a passive role.

• Current status: War widows/widowers (partners or first-generation family members) of those who died while serving are now eligible to participate in the march.

Civilian Women's War Efforts

Women who contributed significantly to the war effort in civilian roles, such as the Women's Land Army (WLA) and the Women's Timber Corps, were also historically excluded from the march past the Cenotaph.

• Current status: It was not until 2000 that the Women's Land Army were finally invited to march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day in honour of their vital work. Munitions workers were also represented from 2012 onwards.

General Rules for Women

In general, participation in the main Cenotaph march has historically been restricted to ex-service personnel who served the Crown on military operations. Women who served in the armed forces have always been eligible, but those who did not serve in a formal military capacity (like many in the WLA or other civilian organisations) were often excluded until campaigning efforts led to changes in the rules and wider inclusion.

Today, the march is primarily for veterans (ex-service personnel), though some specific civilian organisations that played a historical role in supporting the armed forces are also allowed to participate.

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.

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

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.

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!

Don’t talk rubbish!

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.

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”…

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 absolutely think A LOT of people don't!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.