It seems like the youth of today misunderstand what the poppy actually means and some refuse to wear it, as they say it's a glorification of war. This made me so angry... a lot of people these days feel entitled to so much, that they don't realise the sacrifices our troops made, just so the future generations had their freedom. As the poem says, it's not something that we should acknowledge just once a year - we should be thankful each and every day.
So I am going to borrow this poem, if that's ok? If it helps just 1 person to understand the true meaning of the poppy, then I will be happy.
I read a recent report that said that around one in three under-25s are unlikely to wear a poppy this year. The main reason for this was given that they felt bullied into supporting the appeal (heavens above!) and around a fifth of those who object to poppies say they believe it glorifies war. We need to change these attitudes in our young if this is what they believe.
The one good bit in the report was that around a third of donors plan to give more this year.
The Poppy Appeal raise around £43 million a year for service personnel and veterans - this year let make it £143 million.
I watched Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph on TV and I felt humbled by the people there young and old. All the people that gave their lives or limbs for us to live free lives is amazing.
I wear a poppy with Pride even though I am much too young to have been in WW2. However I think about the people that fought and I think of the world we live in today where Countries are still fighting and arguing. Where stabbings are carried out almost daily and I wonder if those brave men ever wonder "Why did I do it"?
The world we live in today makes me fear for mankind and when I hear scientists talking about the possibility of us being able to live on another planet I think why? We have totally ruined this one are we going to go on and ruin another?
Heltadelta.x
Beautifully and perfectly put. I hope you don't mind if I share your poem, too. It deserves to be read by as many as possible.
I am happy to contribute to veterans charities and can remember and mourn the dead from the hideous carnage of the two world wars and all the subsequent conflicts around the world.
I don't however wear a poppy. My rememberance does not need one.
Here here. I'm not sure how and when the significance of the poppy got so lost and it's sad that so many people attach a different meaning to it. I think we need to educate our school children better. As the sister of an ex soldier I have always supported those brave enough to put their lives on the line although I may not necessarily agree with the reasons for them doing so. But the whole point of the poppy is to remember and honour those who fell so I wear mine with pride. xxx
Well saide 👏👏 its not about gloryfiying war,as some people are saying... Its about hounering those who gave there life's for us an our freedom,I wear mine with pride too.lest we forget
As an ex soldier of 9 years service to my Queen and country and I am so proud that we as a country honour our service people both alive and passed in this way. I would do my service all over again in a heartbeat.
Thank you Heliboy. I sincerely hope you never have to go through the nightmare of another war. But thank you so much for the nightmare you have already been through.
Hello Heltadelta thank you very much for your message I have already stated that I would do my military service all over again as I enjoyed every bit of it even the really hard parts. Have a super day Ian :>))))))
I too wear my poppy with pride, but I also understand why some younger people think it is glorifying war, when most War memorials have the words 'To the Glorious Dead' on them. Personally, I would have that replaced with something more suitable.
Unfortunately, War Memorials were put up just after the First World War, when we were still in the 'We Won the War' phase, and somewhat jingoistic.
I have good reason to wear the poppy; My Grandfather was in the First, with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and was wounded, I have his discharge certificate on my wall.
Both my Father and Uncle were in the Second, Father in the RAF and Uncle a Royal Marine, who took part in Normandy Landings. My Mother, Aunt and Grandmother built Wellington Bombers at the Vickers factory in Weybridge.
I also nursed Disabled Ex servicemen at the Star and Garter Home on Richmond Hill, a hundred yards from the original Poppy Factory.
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