I'm GLAD for the Red Vs. White Poppy debate.
I'm happy that someone has come up with an alternate symbol for Remembrance Day. Why?
Because people are TALKING about Remembrance Day. They're talking about it, about what these symbols stand for, about why we have this day. They're actively discussing what the purpose of November 11th is, and not just going through the motions. Tom Megginson of Work That Matters posted an excellent piece on the debate here.
Myself? I continue to wear the red poppy, out of respect for my family members, especially my grandmother who did lose loved ones. I've never had to experience this. I continue to wear it, because all those things that the not-so-new White Poppy is supposed to represent, I have already come to associate with the red.
However, I do not agree with the Legion's stance on the white poppies. Promoting peace is not disrespectful to soldiers. WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars, was it not? Should we not be quibbling over something like the color of a symbol.. especially when to some, the two have almost the same meaning. Many will argue that they fought for our freedom... so by default, we shouldn't practice it?
That's my take on it. I continue to wear the red, but I would not deny anyone the right to wear the white. The idea is to remember...
Here is a link to my post from last year, which still applies.
I am a Pacifist, this is why I remember
I like wearing my red poppy, although they never last more then an hour before it falls off and gets lost. I think they need a safety pin on them instead of just the straight pin. Although I totally disagreed when they came out with the poppies with the black center instead of the green center but it has grown on me. I dont think I have seen a white poppy yet.
ReplyDeleteTry bending the pin at the end, or wrapping a little bit of tape around the end - something like hockey tape or first aid tape works well. Prevents getting poked too.
ReplyDeleteThe sale of red poppies is a big fundraiser for the legions. Who is gaining the profit from the sale of the white ones?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Anon, to which I have no answer.
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