Remembrance Day

This afternoon at Waterloo Station in London, members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) were selling artificial poppies in recognition of Remembrance Day on November 11, also known as Poppy Day and Armistice Day. Wearing poppies in the month of November is a British and British Commonwealth tradition in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during World War I and other wars.

Earlier today I saw numerous memorials covered with poppies outside Westminster Abbey. The RBL is a charity dedicated to helping war veterans.

Comments

[ian russell]

only it's a shame we remember but we never learn. and a shame that those who fought in the great war (not by free choice) had to rely on charity afterwards.

Jon Snow was the news presenter in the centre of the controversy about not wearing a poppy. He claimed to wear one while not on-air. His reason was not to present any bias whatsoever while conducting political interviews on his programme.

this sparked a wider controversy that the BBC encourages all its presenters to wear the red poppy while actively discouraging them to wear any other symbol of unity or support - like the cancer ribbons, gay pride ribbons, end to poverty bracelets - even the white poppy. Their argument seemed to be that red poppies are establishment traditional, while all the others are not.

[Marilyn]

When I was a kid, I remember everyone (adults and kids) in my hometown wearing paper poppies on Veteran's Day. I wonder why I don't see that anymore...

[naturegirl]

Wearing a poppy ..saluting those *heros* who made this land strong and free!

[kristen]

i love this photo so much.

[Lotus]

I was wearing a poppy until a few hours ago when a sudden gust of wind blew it right off my chest - guess I'm going to have to use my earring post to keep it from doing that again!

[Colette]

We have Remembrance day in Canada, too. The place is full of red poppies. I believe the Flanders Field poem was written by a Canadian soldier at the time. I think red is appropriate, because in those fields the poppies were red.

Remembrance is appropriate too.

I am a pacifist, but I would not change this or the color of the poppies; it would be like rewriting history, which in my book is unacceptable.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

[Kamsin]

I guess as a Brit and basically a pacifist I have a difference perspective on this that others. Firstly, I heard there has been controversy about remembrance day (as there is every year), with the suggestion that white poppies as a symbol of peace would be more appropriate than red. Also I read a news reporter refused to wear one while reading the news but I didn't have time to read why unfortunately. To best honest since I reached adulthood I have not bought or worn a poppy (in years I've been in the UK). I fear it glorifies militarism and remembers a Britian which was imperialistic. We remember war each year but continue to send our soldiers to die and perpetuate the myth that dying for your country is great and honourable.

Of course we should remember those who died but remembrance day leaves me cold and just reminds me of enforced two minutes silence is school, which as a kid it's so hard not to laugh or want to fidget. And like I said for me a red poppy has negative connotations.

Oh and btw Kerstin, the red noses on cars are for charity. It's a bi-annual event which raises money for Africa as well as UK based charities, and is organised by comedians hence the red noses!

[ally bean]

My father always referred to Nov. 11 as Armistice Day and we always wore the crepe paper red poppies on our coats. The idea of celebrating a truce and wearing something pretty to commemorate said appeals to me.

[Rosa]

I remember some remembrance once I was in London, but it wasn't in November. It's a nice way to show support.

[Nina]

Ah yes...I do honour this British 'old school' tradition when I lived in England. I love the sentiment and respect it pays to those who sacrifice. 'Good manners' is something which trumps the 'money' society, any time.

Enjoy your teas and scones (Fortnum and Masons do very good ones...)!

Hugs.

[Deborah]

Dear Tara ... what a lovely, well-done photo. You have "an eye" my dear! I am filled with gratitude for those who have served their countries ... and love the symbolism and beauty of poppies for remembrance (or Veterans) day. Deborah

[deirdre]

I was in London five years ago and was amazed at the way the British honor their veterans and heroes. I have to admit I haven't paid much attention to Veteran's Day until recently - now my veteran brother brings me to tears.

[berrie]

I don't know what part of the US some of your posters are from Tara, but around my neck of the woods I am always able to buy a poppy on or near vets day in my auto you can always find a little red poppy stuck somewhere on my dashboard:) xo

[patry]

It seems we used to have those poppies here, too. What a beautiful symbol.

[Laura]

What a wonderful-looking man, there on the left. I can't remember the last time I saw someone selling poppies on Veterans' Day, but it has been a while. It's a lovely tradition. Thank you for reminding us of it.

[bella]

I hope you're having a good time!
:)

[Sophie]

(proud mom)

my son was the narrator for the
remembrance day service today at his
school -

he wrote a speech about peace -

i cried of course

love your photo:)

[AnnieElf]

Last year I got a red poppy handed to me in remembrance of Veteran's Day for the first time in years. I was so surprised. I had completely forgotten about this lovely event and was thrilled to get one. I'll be looking for one this year again and will wear it proudly.

[awareness]

There are veterans and family members selling poppies all over the city. Remembrance Day in Canada is very sombre like the rest of the Commonwealth and will be more emotional this year as we hold close the latest casualties who were killed in Afghanistan this year.

Schools in my area have ceremonies of their own, where the children lay homemade wreaths, read poems, sing songs and the national anthem from the War and listen to a local Veteran talk about their experiences. Tomorrow, my daughter is reading a poem that she wrote at her assembly. I plan to post it on my blog on Saturday.

[Kerstin]

I still have at least one of them in a box somewhere. Did you also notice how some cars have "red noses"? Another way to remember and honour. It is something the British are good at.

[Kim G.]

Oh Tara! This brought a smile to my face! My grandad was in the British Royal Air Force and served his whole career with them. Four years ago I was in England visiting while my grandmother was very ill and it's such a wonderful and visible way that they honor their veterans. There was special programming on television and signs in all the shops. Very moving. Thanks for sharing the photo and the information!