Poppy or not (3 Viewers)

[westcountry_skyblue]

Just wondered if there was anyone that doesn’t wear one?
And their reasons.
I always do as a mark of respect for family members and all the other heroes that have fallen or been injured.

 

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[Otis]

Hmm, I am always a bit unsure and some unfortunately do see it as a badge of honour and a vindication of war and our troops, where it is in fact supposed to be about remembrance of the dead and the suffering endured by brave soldiers.

Did buy a whitel poppy one year but got so much shit about it.

I don't see why people can't wear both.

 

[rob9872]

Small price to pay for those who gave so much more than we could ever imagine to benefit us all and enable us the choice of whether we do or don't. I'll always wear one and respect others choice not to if its for the right reasons.

I disagree with the white poppy (sorry Otis) because there are so many other things they could have chosen or other times to display rather than as a direct contrast to the red one almost as some kind of protect. If someone wore a white one alongside a red one I'd be more ok with it.

 

[eastwoodsdustman]

My dad was involved in fundraising for a long time but stopped along with a lot of other legion members when they found out how much of the donations were being used for administration and executives wages. A group resigned their membership en masse in protest and none of them sell poppies any more.
Its a difficult one as it is a good cause but its shocking how much of the money is used before it gets to where it should.

 

[rob9872]

Unfortunately true of many deserving charities eastwood. We do more for local charities (Myton Hospice, Molly Olly's) things like that now as you can directly see the good that it's doing.

 

[Liquid Gold]

FWIW the legion support white poppies.

 

[Nick]

That's what annoys me about charities.

I have bought poppies, I am useless with losing them or them going in the wash!

 

[hill83]

Always donate never wear one. No real reason. I donate to loads of causes and never wear the badge or whatever comes with it.

 

[Sick Boy]

I don't wear one due to the way in which is seen as a badge of honour for many and it feels like the original reason has been lost.

I've been over to the battlefields and stood as the last post was played in Belgium, which gave me goosebumps and do donate money to those collecting.

 

[Grendel]

Hmm, I am always a bit unsure and some unfortunately do see it as a badge of honour and a vindication of war and our troops, where it is in fact supposed to be about remembrance of the dead and the suffering endured by brave soldiers.

Did buy a whitel poppy one year but got so much shit about it.

I don't see why people can't wear both.

A white poppy FFS

 

[Houchens Head]

I donate but won't wear one. I have my reasons. However, as a massive animal lover, I've always liked the idea of remembering the animals that gave their lives in wars. Dogs, horses, and yes, in WW1, even pigeons. There is an award which has the same significance as a Victoria Cross, which is presented to an animal that has risked its life to help its human handlers. It's called the "Dickin Medal" and is awarded to 'animals that have displayed "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units"'

 

[pastythegreat]

I (and the vast majority I served with) don't give to or raise for help for heroes for that exact reason.
I raise for army benevolent funds and smaller charities like the Fusilier Aid Society that are run by mainly volunteers. Each regiment/unit will have their own and normally set up and ran by friends and family of injured and killed soldiers.
I'll be doing the 3 peaks next year for the Lee Rigby Foundation.

My dad was involved in fundraising for a long time but stopped along with a lot of other legion members when they found out how much of the donations were being used for administration and executives wages. A group resigned their membership en masse in protest and none of them sell poppies any more.
Its a difficult one as it is a good cause but its shocking how much of the money is used before it gets to where it should.

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[pastythegreat]

In terms of wearing poppies, I always do. I'll always have my silence at 11 o'clock too. Its just for me to reflect and remember lost friends.

I do feel it's getting lost though, it's more of a "I'm better than you, I wear a poppy"! People don't seem to be wearing them for the right reasons anymore.
If people wear them, good on them, if not, good on them. I don't want you trying to justify your reasons though, don't spout of why you don't wear it. Just don't wear it.

In terms of giving to the legion etc, you could probably do more for ex soldiers than giving 50p to the legion.
The old man taking too long to get off the bus, don't tut at him, help him. Hold the door for him. say hello (he, like a lot of old people probably lives alone and hasn't spoken to anyone for 3 weeks) it might just cheer him up.


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[ccfctommy]

I have never once seen a white poppy or HH's purple poppy being sold anywhere.

 

[Otis]

A white poppy FFS

Churches are selling them and many MP's are wearing them.

As I say, can't see why you can't wear both.

 

[Otis]

I have never once seen a white poppy or HH's purple poppy being sold anywhere.

Really?

I see them about, though not as many as in previous years and I'm sure a lot of that is because of the abuse they get.

 

[CJ_covblaze]

I wear one with pride and buy a few of the lapel badges every year so I can put one on every work shirt and suit to save swapping them from one to the other.

 

[Grendel]

Churches are selling them and many MP's are wearing them.

As I say, can't see why you can't wear both.

It’s a pacifist idea from the 30’s whose ideology would have led us to be part of Hitlers empire

 

[Houchens Head]

I (and the vast majority I served with) don't give to or raise for help for heroes for that exact reason.
I raise for army benevolent funds and smaller charities like the Fusilier Aid Society that are run by mainly volunteers. Each regiment/unit will have their own and normally set up and ran by friends and family of injured and killed soldiers.
I'll be doing the 3 peaks next year for the Lee Rigby Foundation.

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Best of luck with the "Three Peaks Challenge". I completed that in June 1992 just after my 39th birthday. I still remember that week-end as though it was yesterday. Pure mixture of pain and pleasure!

 

[skybluetony176]

Make a donation every year but stopped wearing the poppies as they have been turned into a political statement from some sections.

 

[Otis]

It’s a pacifist idea from the 30’s whose ideology would have led us to be part of Hitlers empire

Yeah, okay.

 

[ccfctommy]

Otis, have you ever been asked or given any stick over wearing your white poppy?

 

[Otis]

Otis, have you ever been asked or given any stick over wearing your white poppy?

Yes.

Only ever did it once. Someone was selling them in town and I asked what it was all about, as I had never seen one before and they explained it was a symbol of peace, so I bought one.

Two or three people then got really aggressive with me, which I found kind of ironic - Peace/Aggression.

Never worn one since. I would be happy though to wear both.

And have to disagree with Grendel. It doesn't matter what it used to be, it's what it represents today, here and now.

If things don't change and are set in stone and don't evolve, we wouldn't now have the St George's Cross flying from our cars and draped from our windows on St. George's Day and when England play important football matches. It would still be the 'property' of the far right.

Things do change and evolve.

Look at the word 'gay'. Completely different connotation these days.


And Nelson Mandela would still be a terrorist!

This is not the 1930's.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

I wish everyone had the same attitude as the Royal British Legion, who have no objection in principle to different colours of poppy, and criticise those who abuse those who choose to wear one.

 

[Otis]

I wish everyone had the same attitude as the Royal British Legion, who have no objection in principle to different colours of poppy, and criticise those who abuse those who choose to wear one.

Exactly and well done them!

 

[Covstu]

I always wear one and ensure I go out of my way to get one each year. A lot of my family are in (or have been in) the military so really a mark of respect to those who defend our country and those who died to protect it.

It’s a personal choice but if you do not agree with it, then don’t wear it however don’t make a scene about it.

 

[pastythegreat]

Best of luck with the "Three Peaks Challenge". I completed that in June 1992 just after my 39th birthday. I still remember that week-end as though it was yesterday. Pure mixture of pain and pleasure!

Thanks HH.
I'm looking forward to it. I've spent a lot of time in the hills and mountains of britain but never done the 3 peaks before so it's a first for me. Probably chosen the wrong time of life as I'm nowhere near my peak fitness anymore so training is getting ramped up after Xmas.

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[ajsccfc]

Never wear one and hate the circus of shame and aggression that's taken over the actual purpose of them in recent years. The people collecting for them is where there is still dignity though so they can happily have a quid or two

 

[rob9872]

I wish everyone had the same attitude as the Royal British Legion, who have no objection in principle to different colours of poppy, and criticise those who abuse those who choose to wear one.

Ah but they do sell them and make money. Tbh If I was making money from them I'd be producing all sorts - possibly a rainbow poppy for gay veterans, in fact I'd even have them printed with Allahu Akbar if a target audience wanted them

 

[richnrg]

The old man taking too long to get off the bus, don't tut at him, help him. Hold the door for him. say hello (he, like a lot of old people probably lives alone and hasn't spoken to anyone for 3 weeks) it might just cheer him up.
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just make sure he really does want to get off the bus first, and is not just shuffling closer to the door, otherwise he'll be very pissed off with his long walk home

 

[Otis]

Never wear one and hate the circus of shame and aggression that's taken over the actual purpose of them in recent years. The people collecting for them is where there is still dignity though so they can happily have a quid or two

There is quite often a sneer and a tut if you're not wearing one.

 

[ajsccfc]

Yeah you see it on TV in particular, a demand for answers if someone isn't wearing one. If someone's primary reason for wearing it is just to not get snarled at, it's got too far away from the point.

 

[Covstu]

Not seen much of this apart from the people who publically speak out against wearing one rather than just not wearing one. Seen idiot Celtic fans singing about it In the terraces and the usual McLean debate that arises every year

 

[shmmeee]

Don’t wear one for a multitude of reasons, the feeling of “having to” bring the main one, never liked being told what to do. Also don’t support big charities, and don’t really believe veteran support should be a charitable act, it should come out of taxation as a cost of war.

Do think the white poppy is a bit “look at me” though. No issue in principle but it does seem to be set up to antagonise. And the far right are antagonised enough.

Did like this twitter account though: Poppy® Watch (@giantpoppywatch) on Twitter

 

[lifeskyblue]

I Wear a poppy to commemorate all those who gave their lives. To remember the sacrifices others have made. I will also observe the minute silence on the 11th and reflect.
I feel privileged that my generation has never been conscripted, have enjoyed great freedoms and luxuries and that I live in a country where this debate can take place.


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