I find this an interesting and slightly difficult issue.
The way anyone on TV has to wear one or be castigated annoys me. This has grown over the years to the ridiculous levels it is at now.
I am also slightly disturbed by the adoption of this potent symbol of the first world war to encompass all military actions since – no matter how morally dubious. However to the squaddie with his legs blown off I don’t suppose the moral dubiousness for the conflict they were involved in makes much difference to the place they find themselves now.
The Haig fund is also from what I know an efficient charity – much or the money raised gets to the causes it is meant for – not much gets paid to staff. Then Haig himself was a figure of controversy – many hold him responsible for many deaths. Lions led by donkeys?
I am not naive enough to think that we can do without armed forces and I do know that there are people who gave their lives so I can live mine in freedom.
So – I dislike the pressure on those in the public eye to wear them, I have some moral qualms about the overall ethos – its a bit close to glorifying war to me, but no doubts at all about the value of the money raised and the good this does for individuals.. Sometimes I put my money in the pot, sometimes I don’t. I rarely wear a red poppy but I have worn a white poppy.
I will observe 11th November quietly to myself and I have always done so. I will remember the veterans I have looked after and I will never forget 11th November 1995. I was looking after a group of men many of whom had served and finally the trauma was coming out that day. I have tears welling up as I type this remembering them.
“lest we forget”