This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Same here. One of the comments sums it up for me:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

My heart goes to all the families and anyone still alive who lived in the world wars

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

It's also worth remembering that the British Legion doesn't only help those who served in both World Wars.

They also help those who have served (or are serving) in recent or current wars (such as the Gulf war), and the families of those service people.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Lest we forget........

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Can I ask that as well as wearing a poppy that as many of you that can, attend your local cenotaph/war memorial service and support the dwindling numbers of old servicemen on the 9th of November.

Thank you.

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I just got my poppy on my mobile :)

But I shall also be buying one to wear..

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I recently listened to a radio debate about Rememberance Day and the wearing of poppies. A sizeable number of those who called in objecting to the entire concept did so because they associated it purely with supporting the government's stance re. the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have very grave doubts about this 'government' and indeed about the rationale behind these most recent conflicts but that will never stop me paying tribute to those who've fought and died on our behalf, especially those conscripts in the world wars who were treated like so much cannon fodder.

My support is not for the government or even the generals, it's for the ordinary servicemen and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice and those they left behind.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I'm generally in Canada for the first weekend in May, and there is a service of remembrance for those who lost their lives on the Atlantic Conveys during the war. There are generally a huge number of people attend, including the Lieutenant-Govenor of the Province.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I remember when I was in the army cadets and we used to do a march on rememberence sunday its was great, plus one year I was chose to be escort to the reef carrier, I got to wear my granddads medals and my parents came to watch me, very proud moment for me

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I remember being in the cubs on the march - and it was always cold!

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

In an odd kind of way that's one of the highlights of my year. I love Rememberance sunday. It symbolises closeness, solidarity and colour-blind Britishness. It's a mixture of emotions but I look forward to it nonetheless.

As the old boys walk past I love to applaud them.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

The reason I suggested people attend these services is because the old boys love to see the younger generations getting involved and that their dead comrades are not forgotten by future generations.:)

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I whole-heartedly agree.
And without wanting to labour the point, four years ago I was driving through a village in Canada on 11th November when I was stuck for about half an hour whilst the service took place at their local cenotaph. Not only all the traffic stopped, but also it looked like most of the village had turned up. It was very touching to see.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

well they are just showing their ignorance then mate cos anyone with a reasonable amount of worldlyness knows it's about looking after the soldiers not about politics.

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As one of the old ones who go on parade every year must admit that we are getting fewer but it gives me heart when you see people standing there paying there respects as you march to the war memorial.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

You're ex-forces?

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Russ B

Ex-Royal Air Force

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

:clap:

Thank you for being there to defend our country.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Thanks for reminding me. I have still not bought one as yet this year. I will get one tomorrow.

Thanks to all those that fought for our country - True heroes.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

have to agree.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I always buy one.

It reminds me of those that gave there lives and continue to give there lives for our freedom.


May they rest in peace.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Mebbe - just before the 11th of the 11th of the 11th - we could post a referrence of who we're especially focussing on?

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I have my Poppy and wear it with Pride...... :)

but each Remebrance Day apart from those lost in battles
I Remember those closer to me...and spend time by my grans grave.....

this year this special day also falls on my birthday....:(

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

i always buy one have done since junior school, i fell it would be disrespectfull not to.

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This is by far the best thread, that l have read on this forum, the sad thing is, that if you go to the local church on the day, or memorial, there are still some berks, who don't realise what day it is, and keep on driving, and don't give a damn, WE must remember the fallen, who gave there lifes for our freedom that we take for granted today, and also today, the guys and lasses, who still fight for our country and for the freedom of others, who cannot defend themself, buy a poppy today, and donate what you can afford, every penny counts.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

One note the Green leaf should be positioned at the 11 o'clock position

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

My son-in-law in 2 Para, just back alive and unhurt from Afghanistan.
My Dad that flew Mosquitos and survived.
My Grandpa that came home from the Somme.

We've been lucky. So many gave more.I'll always remember and give what I can.

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:tu: to them all !!!

Watched a documentary about some of the Royal Anglian Regiment's exploits in Helmand earlier this evening. Very moving indeed!

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

My town of birth has held on march at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month every year since 1921

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Many years ago, l had the greatest pleasure, to take part in the Cenotaph march in Whitehall, l am a volunteer in a great service, 17 years this year, and l had a lump in my throat, when l took part, as l was amongst people that has given me freedom, l met some great veterans, and they spoke about there ventures, which gave us that freedom, they spoke about there comrades, who gave there lifes for this country, so please remember one phrase ' going down of the sun, we will remember them', and on a personnel note ' RussB' thank you, so on Remembrance Sunday, everyone please remember the fallen and also the services of today, that defend our proud country.

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Whilst in Brighton town center a couple of days ago I noticed a rather large crowd outside the Metropole hotel, so being nosey I crossed over to have a look.
I was really glad I did because all of these people, a good few hundred, had gathered to give Brighton's favourite son a cheer, Henry Allingham.
Henry is currently Britain's oldest man at 112!! also he is one of only five UK survivors of the great war, he fought at Passchendaele and is the last survivor of the biggest navel engagement ever, the battle of Jutland.
Its men like Henry, and his counterparts from numerous wars and campaigns that have made our country safe...these are the people in my mind when I wear my poppy, true British heros.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Really? I never knew that!

Anyway - fat chance of that with mine - mine looks like last years poppy, 'cus I've been wearing it for over a week!

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I will always wear a poppy, with great pride

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Just been talking to the local branch collectors up at the 24 hour Asda.

Apparently they have had a wonderful weekend and everyone has been giving like mad,stuffing £20 notes in the boxes...Never seen anything like it before.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Makes me wonder what they would think if they could come back and see that we have given our country away to the people they died trying to stop.

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I wish someone would've asked at least one of our local shops to have a poppy collection - there's none available up here! :(

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Do you have a RBL branch anywhere near you?Ask there or phone them...

Also try a local library,local council office,scouts,guides,post offices,pubs. :)

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I did contact them a few years ago, saying that they should get in touch with Age Concern who I was a volunteer with at the time - as they would've quite happily had a box in the shop.

I live over the road from where I work (in two shops!) - pub; none, mobile library; none, council office; none, post office; none. Mum in law is presently recooperating so I need to keep an eye on her too - sad to say I don't get much chance to get down town! ;)

I know there was a shortage in Luton of volunteers, it was on the front of the local paper - but they got lots of offers, yet still none up here. Think I may have to have my own little poppy collection next year at this rate! :erm:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

you can donate via the internet site OR buy the help for heros CD

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Some "people" just have no respect whatsoever.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7708662.stm

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

---------- Post added at 17:33 ---------- Previous post was at 17:27 ----------

:clap:

Respect m8. I too have marched past the Cenotaph, & I watched my sons march past several years ago, " RTR, Desert rats parade". Its a great time to meet the old boys & reminisce.

I often shed a tear, thinking of my old mates who died over the years. But I must admit, I often get a little angry too, whenever I think of the 60,000 killed or injured at the Somme. Lions led by Donkeys. This is our history. It should never be forgotten.

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I have today read many items, where some shops and supermarkets, have banned poppy sellers, they should be shamed, but l think the biggest shame should be placed at someone doorstep, where a muslim cleric, has said that ' his' people should NOT buy or even sell poppies, for various reasons, let me say this, The fallen hero's of this country, and of today, of yesterday fought to give you the freedom, that you have in this country, where you can walk the streets, airs your views, without attack, where you can live without fear, our proud country forces gave there lives for that freedom, so l would urge all faiths who live in this country, go out and buy a poppy, and you will show your upmost respect for these fallen, and wear the poppy with pride, and say to those who don't buy a poppy, l respect my fellow man/woman, who gave there life so l can live in this country in peace.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

link, please, Arthur?

Google is our friend - The Star

Funny how you forgot to mention this part of the article -
"But other British Muslims feel differently. Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik, the Government’s first-ever Muslim minister, said: “As patron of the Royal British Legion in Dewsbury I’ll be selling poppies in the town centre this Saturday.

“I think it’s really important to remember the freedoms we enjoy come at a price and sometimes the ultimate price.

“During the Second World War 2.5 million Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Indians formed the largest volunteer army in history and some of my relatives were prisoners of war of the Japanese in Burma.

“The truth is that no matter what your background, we all must remember that people died for this country and the freedoms we hold dear and that is why I’m proud to wear my poppy.”"

Choudary, the cleric mentioned in the article, is obviously madder than a mad thing that has won mad thing of the year award.

btw, I have not heard of one shop that has banned poppy sellers.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Well how about naming and shaming said shops Arthur?:erm: but we need a link.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I managed to get a poppy in boots yesterday in town, but the only collectors I saw were small children (cadets?) one with an equally tiny adult - who anyone could quite easily miss - they didn't have a stand or a banner? It seems such a wasted opportunity. Even in boots there were only two poppies left in the box after I got 2 (one for me, one for Anton). :shrug:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Well I'm up,ready,and soon I'll go down to the cafe on the seafront to have a full breakfast(stuff the diet) before everyone turns up..;)

Have a good day and I hope you all get to some sort of service even if it's only to watch the Centotaph service on TV. :tu:

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It's odd to say this but I've looked forward to this day.

The Forces. Today is for them. Not just the fallen but also those have and still served to defend the country. They do a silent job - we don't see them at it but they're there guarding us against the enemy.

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I know it's a bit early, but I was going through my favourites list of websites and was reminded of last year, and how I did try to contact my local branch, as well as the national poppy appeal - and didn't hear back from either!?

So I've sent a message on the RBL site, and hope to hear back from them this time. If the trays & poppies were available to purchase, I would be happy to do that and donate the funds raised :shrug:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Good for you.:tu:

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Yep I'll second that, nice one.:)

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I've done a few bits and pieces for them in the past but my experience of our local RBL is that it's very well meaning but a tad shambolic at times. Keep plugging away or why not just pop in and have a chat with them?

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

cos I don't want to sound disrespectful, if I 'popped in' I would be asking a few questions - they ran a campaign asking for volunteers through our main local paper last year; What happened to all the people that volunteered to help? they still can't manage to answer emails? :erm: this is the 3rd time in as many years I have tried to contact them now. hmm, perhaps I should just turn up on the secretary's doorstep :wavey:

There are plenty of opportunities to sell poppies in this town, and of course other ways to raise funds - especially given the current climate in Luton with soldiers/marches. There is a lot of support for the forces. I think it is a great shame that they are not making the most of it.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

The secretary is probably 93 and equipped with a vintage Underwood.. :D Give it a shot, I'm sure you'll get a better response..

Until I computerised ita few years ago our local RBL's entire membership list was hand written in a small pad....

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

It's like Osem says..the combined ages of some branches members would make you blench and they are yet to get into t'internet thingy..My husband was the last chairman of our local poppy appeal and he was in his 50's and considered a young man for the job and considered quite moden for actually owning a PC at home..;)

The problem for the RBL is that young people/service men and women are not joining and working on committees.So maybe if anyone knows of young service personel who have left the services who might be persuaded to join their local branch and actually stand for positions on the various committees get them to please have a go.:tu:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Here here, I will always buy a poppy.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

still think that poppies should be sold all year really especially in may and november. 1 thing that i find strange is that ve day isn't celebrated in the uk enough english servicemen have died fighting against hitler

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*ahem*

Missed a few people out there, Hoss?

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okay should've said COMMONWEALTH really....who cares bout the Welsh :p:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Ooooooooooh! Get her!

There were a few Jocks there as well, you know.

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Yeah well I hope my Welsh great grandfather who fought in that war cared enough about you.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

And my dad.

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hey I know Russ :) just pulling ya leg :) if it wasnt for the Welsh Guards, Scots Guards etc then I dont think I would:

1. be here
2. speak English or Dutch
3. anything else really

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

And for all the people who know and respect the veterans there will always be some half-wit who thinks the world wants to see their 'tag'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...st/8089526.stm

Hopefully he had a fun couple of nights prior to his court apearance today. :mad:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Dos and don'ts of poppy etiquette


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8333733.stm

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I have 2 official British Legion poppy pins that I wear each year but I still put money into any collecting tin whenever I see one as the funds are needed.

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Ditto.

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Bought 4 poppy pins today and made my usual donation. It was good to see the veterans out and about and they were doing very good business. Hats off to them!!! :tu:

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On Remembrance day, we will be on holiday, as we were last year at this time, when the hour approaches, all activity stops dead, even the Spanish receptionist & staff freeze for those fateful moments.

Virtually all the guests are "Old uns", & nearly all have served. When the silence ends, you can still hear a pin drop. The feelings just flood back as most remember lost friends. It feels like hours before normal conversation starts again.

Respect. Not only for the fallen, but for those left with terrible injuries, & horrible memories.

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Wish I could get one here.

Hopefully I can find one in Bedford when I'm out during the week.

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Hello all, yet again this year the local RBL appealed for volunteers through the local papers. Nothing wrong in that, no.. *cough* (see previous posts in this thread) Anyway to cut a long story short, I got a taxi to the other side of Luton and went and got a box of poppies for each shop I work in (2) and it has been really nice to see even kids asking if they can use the change from their sweeties to get a poppy. I say you can put in whatever you want, it's the thought that counts, and all pennies will be put to good use, I've no doubt. :)

I wish we had a car, then I would offer to ferry trays of poppies to shops / businesses that would take them.

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Now I hope that some of you will perhaps take a walk,trip to the local service tomorrow if you can, if only to support the dwindling numbers of veterans who will be marching with pride.:)

I will be going down early to have breakfast with the local Sally Army band in the Penguin Cafe opposite the Remembrance Gardens on the sea front.A tradition every year..I'll need something to keep me warm..;)

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Today we went shopping locally and were pleased to see a large number of veterans and other volunteers out collecting along the length of our local high street.

The one blot on the landscape came in the form of a BNP stand bedecked with the Union Flag and manned by 3 or 4 people. Just a few yards away a woman of obvious afro-caribbean descent was collecting on behalf of the Salvation Army. To say it made me feel awkward is an understatement but all credit to her for not being intimidated into moving away. :tu: I was also delighted to observe that virtually nobody was paying the BNP the slightest interest!

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Well we went to see the parade and visit the war memorial yesterday morning and were pleased to see how many people had taken the time to do so. Looking at all the wreaths, poppies and heartfelt messages to those lost in both the recent and distant past was a very moving experience.

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My second Poppy got lost again at some point today. gah.

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Yes and those poppy pins are a nuisance - I've already lost 2 of them but I suppose that'll just mean I have to make more donations...... :D

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They also get damaged easily. Think I need one of that metallic badges I have seen. Small poppy badges which are obviously more robust and less prone to falling off. I tend to wack £3-4ish each time so charge £10/15 for a badge seems good to me. Wonder where you get em...

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RBL have two Iphone apps. One is 59p and the other £2.99..

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Here is were you can normally get them but at this time of year they are out of stock.

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/is...opscr1280.html

Or you can get an official watch from the Royal British Legion for £9.99.
http://www.poppyshop.org.uk/Default....yID=22&Level=a

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

The poppy pins I'm talking about are the small metallic badges.

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/sh...ge-431263.html

They comes in several types but the ones I went for secure with a simple butterfly type clip which isn't really up to the task.

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You can get poppy cufflinks from the British Legion.

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Do they supply the cuffs? Only I'm the dress casual type..... :D

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You can always go for the watch

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

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I rather like that - where do they come from?

---------- Post added at 22:28 ---------- Previous post was at 22:23 ----------

Dohhhh - it was a link :doh:

Cheers for that :tu:

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

lol - I was (badly) resisting the urge to point that out. I'm glad you sussed it :)

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

I may be stupid but at least I'm not slow.... :D

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

Watches often have links - or is that chains? :D

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I felt quite priveliged yesterday, i was going fishing in near Sandbach and as i got top the village there was quite a bit of traffic. After going through a set of lights i saw some community support officers and they let me through but then stoped the car behind. A quick glance in the mirror revealed a procession of military personal had formed behind me to do there parade.
Must say it did fill me with pride. :tu: to all are lads and lasses past and present, i will allways support you.

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Let us all remember the fallen but not forget all those who've returned home to face the future bearing the most awful mental and physical scars.

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Google changed their logo for this today:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2009/11/22.gif

As they did for the German Google on Monday:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2009/11/23.gif

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The Welsh rugby team make a massive faux pas...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8355903.stm

Re: This is why I will always buy a poppy...
 

You would think the major clue would have been here.