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White Poppy

(261 Posts)
FarNorth Wed 16-Sept-15 10:11:12

Here is an extract from an article on reasons for wearing a white poppy :

"Many of us instead wear a white poppy, the symbol of peace. We do so not because we feel the suffering of those who died or were bereaved any less, everyone agrees that we should commemorate the sacrifice.

But we fear that in remembering the First World War, too many people in government and the military are using the compassion that people feel to justify present and future wars."

stopwar.org.uk/news/why-i-will-wear-a-white-poppy-to-honour-the-dead-on-remembrance-day

trisher Mon 21-Sept-15 16:01:54

I think it is interesting that some people seem to insist only the red poppy will do, whereas those who wear/believe in white poppies accept both and just want the white poppy to have its place beside the red. As I have said before a great number of those who died believed more in peace, as did the women who set up the white poppy movement after losing their male relatives in WW1. To deny it a place is to to disrespect those women.

soontobe Mon 21-Sept-15 15:42:52

Gracesgran, do you wear a red poppy at all?

Elegran Mon 21-Sept-15 15:35:15

Neither lot should be dictating what is the "right" colour of poppy to display the "right" attitude of mind. That is what those who wish to choose their colour are saying.

Gracesgran Mon 21-Sept-15 15:31:18

"Why is it that people on the left always indignantly/aggressively claim the moral high ground, with the rest of us being made to feel at best inadequate, and at worst warmongers!"

Why is it that people - presumably on the right, believe they can tell others how to show respect, etc.?

I imagine it is because one group sees peace as more important the wearing the "acceptable" item and the other thinks what you show to the world in the way you choose what to wear on a particular day is more important.

I don't think that the first is taking the moral high ground but just saying and standing up for what they believe in - peace. Perhaps those who seem like little dictators are not that either but just saying and standing up for what they believe in - the colour of a poppy.

nigglynellie Mon 21-Sept-15 15:19:36

I would echo that hollow laugh!! but who knows, maybe one day someone will have the magic potion! I think we're all entitled to our views, and should feel free to say so. Why is it that people on the left always indignantly/aggressively claim the moral high ground, with the rest of us being made to feel at best inadequate, and at worst warmongers! Nobody in their right mind wants war, but equally you can't leave a country defenceless, I think the Hitler war proved that, so prudent precautions are very necessary, just in case of a turn of events.

rosequartz Mon 21-Sept-15 14:55:11

I agree nigglynellie - World Peace Day.

I am not wearing one because I don't have one, and I am not going out anyway. But I am thinking about peace and prayed this morning.
However, I don't think my prayers will be answered.
When I told DH it's World Peace Day he gave a very hollow laugh.

sad

Gracesgran Mon 21-Sept-15 14:55:04

mbody it is not your Remembrance Day or anyone else's, it is everyone's. Why do you think it is reasonable for you to tell other people how they can remember?

durhamjen Mon 21-Sept-15 14:54:38

So we are not supposed to think about peace on Armistice Day, are we not?

nigglynellie Mon 21-Sept-15 14:45:17

Hear, hear mbody. I think today is the appropriate day for white poppies. Remembrance Day is for red.

mbody Mon 21-Sept-15 14:39:21

If people want to wear white poppies then they should have their own day for it rather than highjacking Rememberance Day which is synonymous with red poppies.

Elegran Mon 21-Sept-15 14:34:33

The byline of the remembrance service is "lest we forget".

"A nation that does not learn the lessons of history is destined to repeat it."

allule Mon 21-Sept-15 13:52:00

I tend to think we do too much remembering of last century's world wars. If we think the battles were against fascism, and for individual freedoms, perhaps we could start by respecting people's choice to wear a red poppy, a white poppy, or none.

soontobe Mon 21-Sept-15 12:14:20

for a visit I should add.

soontobe Mon 21-Sept-15 12:13:45

I was taken to a Quaker house when I was a child so can just about remember where one is. That is it.

Jackthelad Mon 21-Sept-15 12:07:40

Would I wear a white poppy definitely NO. THE RED POPPY SAYS IT ALL
Those who have worn the queens uniform understand this perhaps better than most.

Gracesgran Mon 21-Sept-15 11:43:08

Has anyone on this thread actually said/intimated/hinted that people who wear red poppies are a warmongers?

rosequartz Mon 21-Sept-15 11:40:53

MIL was educated alongside a member of another Quaker family who were chocolate makers - the Fry family.

granjura Mon 21-Sept-15 11:21:28

We knew many Quakers in the UK- one admirable couple were neighbours, she a daughter of the Cadbury's family and an amazing person.

trisher Mon 21-Sept-15 10:44:42

I don't think that everyone who wears the red poppy is a warmonger- I wear one myself for 11th November and a white poppy before and after. However I do think there has been a significant change in attitudes towards the armed forces and conflict in general, and that this has to a certain extent been orchestrated by the media and those in power. Anyone who remembers the public outrage when soldiers killed in Vietnam were returned to the US, and the ensuing anti-war movement, must wonder about the way the dead and injured of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were brought quietly home. I am wary of the red poppy because I fear there are those who would use the services of remembrance for their own nefarious ends.

Anniebach Mon 21-Sept-15 10:05:30

I mix and mingle with Quakers rosesarered, some of my family are Quakers , I am wavering , I join the Quakers in our town on silent memorial days such the anniversary of bombing of Hiroshema , the day is spent standing in the Middle of town in a silent group , same on Remembrance Day , have done so for years

The red poppy doesn't mean the wearer is supporting war, but war mongers do wear them , . I wear the white poppy and the red poppy.

durhamjen Mon 21-Sept-15 10:01:11

How do you recognise a Quaker? How do you know if you have never met a Quaker?
Have you never walked past a Friends Meeting House, soon, and wondered what it meant? Loads of people going in and out of them wearing white poppies.

durhamjen Mon 21-Sept-15 09:55:57

Are you ignoring my request to explain what you meant, roseq, or did you just not see it?

rosequartz Mon 21-Sept-15 09:51:24

My headmistress was a Quaker (but I don't remember it having any impact on my conscious mind) hmm
Interestingly, JBC's mother was also a teacher at my school.

rosesarered Mon 21-Sept-15 09:49:39

That was not to do with your post RQ btw.

rosesarered Mon 21-Sept-15 09:48:18

With the further implied nonsense that anyone who only wears a red poppy is warmongering. So, one word which is apt to that....Poppycock!