Why you should buy a poppy

Once again Gransnetters - thank you so much for your lovely comments and I know you will be generous when the 'poppy tin' comes round. Today, amidst all the hype of TV, radio and newspaper interviews my daughter was conscious that her husband's headstone was finally being put in place by the MOD - another milestone in her journey. So yes, I shed a tear today too.

What a beautiful, brave and intelligent daughter - you must be so proud of her. I too have tears in my eyes Grannyactivist.

All the men in my immediate family served - husband in the RN in Special Boats, and both sons served in the Australian Army reserves - one is still serving as an infantry captain and recently came back from East Timor. So we support our RSL (Returned Services League) and buy a poppy in November. An organisation called Legacy here, supports our war widows and widowers. We never go to services because my husband chokes up: he lost his Dad, a Colour Sargent, in WW2, and lost a friend when serving.

Many people have no understanding of what the military does, and the tragedies that happen, so such a memorial is a good thing on many levels.

grannya if your Daughter has the same response from all the people who have viewed that news item the RBL funds will soar this year, I cant see to type this,she is a very brave young woman and your Grandson is gorgeous.

I always buy a poppy but this year when I wear my poppy I will be thinking of your Daughter and all the familys who have lost someone dear to them.

Your daughter is obviously a very special person and I think you are too for bringing her up so well. Bless you all,I will be thinking of your gs when I buy my poppy.

What a lovely daughter GA so eloquent and committed - of course you are proud of her. xx

granyactivist I can see why you are so very proud and yes! when I buy a poppy this year I will also think of you and your family.

Everyone should support the Royal British Legion - they do such sterling work for soldiers past and present. Sadly there are so many other service charities these days vying for our contributions these days that their funds must be taking a hit... We always dig deep for the RBL, and try and find a bit for Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund as well.

I can barely see to type for tears running down my face. You have a daughter in a million and William has a wonderful Mummy. He will grow up very proud of his Daddy as you must be, but your daughter shows a rare courage of her own.

What an amazing, amazing daughter you have GA - so composed and I have tears running down my cheeks. My Dad as an ex-soldier always supported the British Legion and I continued to do so after his death. I will certainly be remembering your family and all the others who have lost someone dear to them [flowers]

When I buy my poppy this year I will especially be remembering your lovely family ga. x

Beautiful.

We will buy poppies. Least we can do.

(sad because he hasn't got his daddy any more)

That is so sad granny-a.

You are right to be proud of her. Lovely little grandson too.

Bless them both. x

I can understand how proud you are of your daughter, trying to make a positive out of a dreadful negative.

In recent years I have bought RBL wristbands instead of poppies, because the flowers always used to end up rather battered and looked scruffy. I have this year's 90th anniversary bands already for me and the grandchildren (bought on line).

' We will remember them.'