Remembrance Poppies
November 11th marks Armistice Day - the end of World War I (WWI) on November 11, 1918. The day is marked by many of the former Allied countries, including the UK where November 11th is known as Remembrance Day.
In the UK there is a tradition of wearing a red poppy for remembrance in the week leading up to November 11th. For politicians and television presenters it is almost compulsory.
Some people, including me, wear a white poppy as well as or instead of the red variety. The white poppy is rarely seen in the media and when it is discussed the symbolism is often misrepresented.
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Peaceful Art to Buy
Red Poppies
British Legion
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)
Selected Books from Amazon
White Poppies
No More War
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.
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White Poppies Today
The Peace Pledge Union
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)
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Evolve with Peace Sticker (Oval)
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TAKE A DEEP BREATH Sticker (Rectangular)
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Hands of Peace Greeting Card
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This Joyful peace design is available on shirts for women, children and babies. Magnets, buttons & other gift items avail. Check shop for full selection. Great Christmas gifts!
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Imagine Peace Headquarters
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Imagine Peace Group Imagine all the people, living life in peace. These words of peace and hope were penned by John Lennon more than 30 years ago. The Imagine Peace group assembles the peace keepers, peace makers and people for peace...your fri...
External Links
- White Poppies For Peace
- The White Poppy home page. From here you can buy white poppies and related material.
- Peace Pledge Union (PPU)
- Home of the Peace Pledge Union
- Red Poppy Appeal
- The Red Poppy Appeal
- The Royal British Legion
- Home of the Royal British Legion
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