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

[Osem]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7696021.stm

[TheNorm]

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

We owe a huge debt to these soldiers who suffered terribly in horrific conditions.

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

[Stuart]

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.

Lest we forget........

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.

[dilli-theclaw]

I just got my poppy on my mobile

But I shall also be buying one to wear..

[Osem]

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.

[AndyCambs]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

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.

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.

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

[AndyCambs]

Originally Posted by darthlinux

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

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

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

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.

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.

Originally Posted by AndyCambs

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.

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.

[AndyCambs]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

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.

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.

[etccarmageddon]

Originally Posted by Osem

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....

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.