I don't get a poppy but that does not mean I do not respect the fallen. The poppy has become a commercial thing for the RBL, but IMHO there's other organisations involved in supporting those who have served in the armed forces that I would rather donate to those.
Here at work there's a strong feeling of support for the services with a lot of fundraising for the other charities that support the services, their families and those who served their fair share. Our company even flew local vets to the recent events in Normandy.
So sorry for being the miserable bugger who thinks that the wearing of a poppy isn't showing respect. Respect is something else imo. It's something you have to do to show it. However if you want to just give your money perhaps look to SSAFA, HfH, combat stress, AFF, NFF, Army benevolent fund, naval benevolent fund, RAF benevolent fund, etc., etc, etc. Plus no doubt loads of others that are smaller and local to your area, focusing on services issues in your area.
Or perhaps do something to help. At our work there's support for a charity event where you sleep out to raise money for rough sleeping veterans.
BTW in my family my grandparents generation had representation in the armed forces. Great uncle in the royal marines who as a Non Com was the last in a fighting withdrawal from a med island then spent the rest of the war in PoW camps including a caste one in Germany apparently. But he never talked about it. He starved during those camp days and his body was eating itself too survive. Later on in life he suffered with issues with his intestines and ended up having a foot of it removed because of his wartime suffering. Another was a US military police in Normandy through to Germany.
Another was not in the armed forces as his was a reserved occupation as a train driver. Too young for WWI and reserved occupation in WWII. However he nearly died many times. Many train drivers died as German bombers of they'd missed their target used any bombs left to hit trains. Ok those days when there was a hit. They just pushed the engine off the line, repaired it and carried on. He served on the Southampton to be London line a key strategic route for stuff brought in from America. A target for sure. I no had no idea and as a kid he put me straight. Got as emotional as I've ever seen him. Bear in mind he was born in Victoria's last years so very much stiff upper lip. But I spotted it had a hint of a quiver when he told me how he served. I will never forget that and it is why I get a little bit touchy about how people forget the many ways people served and often with the danger to life. Whether you're fighting fires in London, dodging German bombers in a train engine or on the front line in WWII or Indeed anywhere. People all served, contributed and suffered. Respect is due there too.
Sorry for digression and if what I've posted offends. This respect sentiment IMHO should be widened out a bit to all who are the fallen in combat or contributing in other ways.
