On the lead up to the remembrance weekend there has been a lot of negative postings on social networks about the red poppy that we wear to show respect to the fallen in the great wars. It has been accused of being a symbol to glorify war and as a fashion statement with the glittery ones worn by several celebrities being held up as examples.
What we need to remember is that the poppy was chosen as it flowered in great numbers on the battlefields in France after the war had ended and became a symbol for soldiers when remembering their fallen comrades. It was taken up by the people as a national sign of remembrance and we now wear it every November to show a united front against those who would rather the memories were forgotten.
The alternative white poppy means nothing, it has no valid symbolic meaning and is worn by those very people who would rather the soldiers names were wiped from history.
I for one remember the stories my Grandad and his friends told of the war. Many were happy memories but most were of their friends who are no longer with us. I realized then how much the horrors of war affected people and still realize that war should never be glorified however the act of remembering those who did fight in a war against tyranny and oppression and who still fight that war is an important one.
Wear your poppy with pride and show those who wish to tarnish the memory of the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts who fell on the battle field and at home that they will never win this war.
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