Remembrance Logo

[AB Editor]

Good afternoon everyone.

We've put up a remembrance AB logo, I hope you like it

What is the current feeling about the poppy as a symbol? Should it be retired with the last serving WW2 veteran, or do you believe it continues to have significance as a symbol in other conflicts?

Does extending the symbolism do a disservice to those who served in WW2 by comparing their endeavours with the current conflicts in Afghanistan & Iraq (which are, I think universally agreed, fought for different reasons)?

Spare Ed

[NazNomad]

Using it as a symbol isn't a problem, it's widely reconised for what it is, just like the WWF panda.
The problem lies with people's attitude to it's wearers and non-wearers.

[ABerrant]

Making reference to WW2 proves the significance to "other conflicts".

The poppy appeal originated in 1921 as a means of raising money to aid the distressed among those who were incapacitated as a result of the Great War.

[mosesg]

We should never forget the men and women who fought in both WWI & WWII even if we weren't around at the time.

[netibiza]

When I wear my poppy I respect all the heroes who have fought in all our wars! and we should never forget, and after all a little red poppy isn't going to hurt anyone, and the 2 mins silence shoud be maintained.

[Answerprancer]

I prefer the ethos of the white poppy which commemorates those lost but also promotes peace.

[boxtops]

I agree, it's for all wars. Flanders Fields will epitomise the pointlessness of war for many years yet. How people will feel in the future, when nobody remembers anyone who fought in the Great Wars, remains to be seen - but the poppy is to remember soldiers who died in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, too. Long live the poppy, it's a solemn reminder that others fight so we can have this sort of discussion in our country.

[askyourgran]

I rather like Answerprancers idea of a white poppy to promote peace, and I would wear both together. The red poppy to me stands in memory for all the wars that have been fought by our servicemen and women. From the relatively primitive conditions of WW1 and WW11 right through to the present day conflicts, each have been more terrible than the last. If I see a field of poppies I automatically think of our war dead.