White Poppies for Peace

The red poppy was adopted as a symbol by those service people who survived the war and in remembrance of those who died. Poet John MacRae wrote:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row

As is so often the case, the soldiers who returned home as heros were quickly abandoned by the state. To give them a voice and provide support for them and their families the British Legion was founded in 1921. They began selling artificial red poppies to raise money for the veterans.

The Red Poppy Appeal was so successful that the Legion set up its own poppy factory. The poppies for future years were made by disabled ex-servicemen.

Although there are few WWI veterans alive today the Legion continues to provide support for more recent British veterans and their families. As well as the annual poppy appeal the Legion makes money through regular fund raising including a selection of branded products and services.

Photo Credit: striatic (Creative Commons)

There have always been people uncomfortable with the militaristic symbolism associated with the Red Poppy. During the war many people had been conscientious objectors, just as many people today feel that all war is wrong.

As early as 1926 it was suggested by the No More War movement that the button at the centre of the poppy should be printed with the words "No More War" - a suggestion that was not taken up.

The first white poppies were produced in 1933 by the Co-operative Women's Guild. From the start the Guild made clear that the White Poppy was not intended as an insult to or rejection of the WWI veterans. Instead it was - and is - intended as a mark of respect which was also a call for peace. It honours all victims of war.

Heros can also be victims.

Photo Credit: geishaboy500 (Creative Commons)

The White Poppy campaign in the UK is today run by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU). This is the oldest non sectarian pacifist organisation in Britain.

The PPU was formed in 1934 around the central premise of rejecting all war. Members signed the following pledge:

"I renounce war, and will never support or sanction another."

Today the PPU has grown from this basic foundation to a wider campaigning organisation for peace.

Photo Credit: Mike "Dakinewavamon" Kline (Creative Commons)