I got mine last night in the supermarket. I get one every year and it's my way of remembering those who gave us our freedoms we all take for granted today. I can't understand those who don't respect poppy day. I say go get one and wear it.
I picked mine up this evening. I shall go to the ceremony this year wearing my Veterans Badge, which is nice
Nope. Have never worn one and never will. I don't celebrate wars started by self serving politicians. And as Earl Haig wasone of the biggest mass murderers IMO, why should I wear or contribute anything with his name attatched. And i don't like being guilt tripped into doing things either.
people died to give you the freedom to say what you like, when you like and I simply feel that is worth remembering and supporting.
Emptied pocket of change into box and got my poppy. Might have been three or four quid. Seems small payment for the families and dependants of those who gave so much more.
Got mine, my Dad's elder brother (Uncle Percy, I never met him) went on a trip to Africa, never came back. Respect costs a few bob and as someone else has said we have the total freedom because of people like that to talk total bollix on here or wherever.
It's not just about those who died in the 1st or 2nd World Wars. The Legion work for all ex-servicemen, from all conflicts, and indeed no conflict. I was in the Army during the 80s, the only conflict I was ever really going to be involved in was in a pub at closing time!! My mate, who was in the same unit as me throughout, recently lost his life to cancer, the Legion really helped him and his family. I know there are lots of us on here who don't agree with whats going on currently, I certainly don't, but the Legion helps people out of everyday struggles and extraordinary struggles. As for the shite about not wanting to fund Haighs memory, well thats just bollocks Cookiemonster. Contribute to the men and women of, I guess your grandfathers generation, who stepped in and died in the thousands to stop Hitler.
I think there's a difference between giving money to the Legion and wearing the poppy. Both of my grandfathers were in the navy in WW2 (alas both now deceased), and I marched on Remembrance Day from the age of 8-18, once a year every year (cubs, scouts, ATC). As i said, I always put money into the collection pots, but do so without taking the poppy. However, in giving to the Legion, I don't believe that there should be any compunction to wear the poppy. I believe it is possible to be in the collective state of remembrance that the day implies without having to wear one - the feeling of gratitude to those who lost their life, and continued to lose their lives is an internal one, not one that is denoted by what is essentially a piece of red paper.
I have no problems with that point of view Sam. The poppy was only used following the 1st WW, as you well know I'm sure. My problem is with people who say crass things like Cookiemonster did. Although, I would quickly add that it is his right entirely to hold those views. Most people though, I imagine, only give to the Legion between October the 20th and the 12th of November. It's a short window to raise money for all the work they do!
