The poppy has lost its original meaning – time to ditch it
7 years, 4 months ago

The poppy has lost its original meaning – time to ditch it

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Where once it was a solemn act of contemplation and remorse on village greens across the land – now it’s a two week long twitter spat with some pathetic, childish digs at Germany from the tabloids thrown in for good measure. “We survived the war, we can survive Brexit” – say those born decades after the conflict, with no connection to it – as if leaving the European Union equates in any way to six years of mass slaughter, misery and blood-shed. Britain’s on-going obsession with the two world wars and our mawkish, politically The poppy has gone from a small act of remembrance to a virtual whip that is deployed to beat non-conformists into line. Before all vestiges of the little red flower’s poignancy are lost, it’s time to retire the poppy – and move on.

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History of this topic

Is it now acceptable to accessorise with a Remembrance poppy?
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Is it now acceptable to accessorise with a Remembrance poppy?

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a show of what could …

Wrexham’s James McClean refuses to wear poppy for Remembrance Sunday
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Wrexham’s James McClean refuses to wear poppy for Remembrance Sunday

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Wrexham captain James McClean continued his ongoing protest …

Good Morning Britain star doubles down on refusing to wear a poppy as ITV viewers 'switch off' - but who's in the wrong?
5 months ago

Good Morning Britain star doubles down on refusing to wear a poppy as ITV viewers 'switch off' - but who's in the wrong?

Daily Mail  

Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins highlighted that guest Kevin Maguire was not wearing a poppy on the show - sparking fury amongst viewers. Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins recently highlighted that guest Kevin Maguire was not wearing a poppy on the show - after he sparked fury amongst viewers During Monday's instalment, the journalist, 64, joined the programme …

Why, this Remembrance Sunday, I’ll be wearing a poppy – and a Star of David
1 year, 4 months ago

Why, this Remembrance Sunday, I’ll be wearing a poppy – and a Star of David

The Independent  

According to the art critic Arthur Danto, “we erect monuments so that we shall always remember, and build memorials so that we shall never forget”. Dedicated to “The Glorious Dead” of the First World War and others, the Cenotaph can be seen, on the one hand, as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice, and on the other, as a reminder …

Royal British Legion launches annual poppy appeal with wall of poppies
2 years, 5 months ago

Royal British Legion launches annual poppy appeal with wall of poppies

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Royal British Legion has launched its annual poppy appeal …

100 years of the poppy – and why it is still such a powerful symbol
3 years, 4 months ago

100 years of the poppy – and why it is still such a powerful symbol

The Telegraph  

McCrae did not survive the war, dying of pneumonia in the British hospital at Boulogne in January 1918; by then his poem, published in Punch in December 1915, had entered the public consciousness. This led to silk versions being made and sold to raise money for veterans, and the American Auxiliary Legion formally adopted the poppy as a symbol of …

James McClean has every right not to wear a poppy – all nuance has been lost in the debate
4 years, 1 month ago

James McClean has every right not to wear a poppy – all nuance has been lost in the debate

The Independent  

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Restrictions further complicate football’s relationship with Remembrance
4 years, 4 months ago

Restrictions further complicate football’s relationship with Remembrance

New York Times  

There will be no parades of soldiers at Premier League games this weekend, no collection tins for the British Legion, no fans to hold up mosaics of poppies in the stands. In recent years, English’s football marking of the Remembrance period has become one of the most recognisable spells of the whole calendar, spanning two weekends, involving every club in …

Why James McClean will never wear a poppy – and nobody else should be made to, either
5 years, 4 months ago

Why James McClean will never wear a poppy – and nobody else should be made to, either

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The mass funeral for 13 victims – the fourteenth died of his …

Why not wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day is always a political act
6 years, 4 months ago

Why not wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day is always a political act

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It started in the immediate aftermath …

For the first time ever this year I won't be wearing a poppy. This is why
6 years, 4 months ago

For the first time ever this year I won't be wearing a poppy. This is why

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s made the …

Strict school forces pupil to take off knitted Remembrance Day poppy
6 years, 4 months ago

Strict school forces pupil to take off knitted Remembrance Day poppy

Daily Mail  

Courtney, in Year 9 at the Norfolk high school, had worn the poppy with pride on Tuesday only to be told by principal Smith to remove it One of Britain's strictest schools has banned a pupil from wearing a knitted Remembrance Day poppy because it was 'too big'. Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, which previously saw controversy when staff began measuring …

How do we know it’s poppy season again? The foaming rage of war-hungry gammons – and I say that as a veteran
6 years, 5 months ago

How do we know it’s poppy season again? The foaming rage of war-hungry gammons – and I say that as a veteran

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. One outpouring concerns what is clearly …

As a young British Muslim, this is why I'll be wearing my poppy with pride
7 years, 4 months ago

As a young British Muslim, this is why I'll be wearing my poppy with pride

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Many Muslims, even of an otherwise …

Why doesn't James McClean wear a poppy on Remembrance weekend?
7 years, 4 months ago

Why doesn't James McClean wear a poppy on Remembrance weekend?

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy West Brom player James McClean has refused to …

Tedious annual poppy circus reminds us that, for some, remembrance isn't about remembering, it's being seen to remember
7 years, 4 months ago

Tedious annual poppy circus reminds us that, for some, remembrance isn't about remembering, it's being seen to remember

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Wear a f---ing poppy or don’t play for England you disrespectful p----.” …

It is ridiculous and impossible to suggest ditching the Remembrance poppy
7 years, 4 months ago

It is ridiculous and impossible to suggest ditching the Remembrance poppy

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The First World …

A third of young people don't feel comfortable wearing a poppy – but we should all remember the history that came before us
7 years, 4 months ago

A third of young people don't feel comfortable wearing a poppy – but we should all remember the history that came before us

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The start of November also marks …

England and Scotland put FIFA in their place before, during and after World Cup qualifier... Wembley remembered the fallen with dignity on Armistice Day as pride in the poppy rightly took centre stage
8 years, 4 months ago

England and Scotland put FIFA in their place before, during and after World Cup qualifier... Wembley remembered the fallen with dignity on Armistice Day as pride in the poppy rightly took centre stage

Daily Mail  

On the way to Wembley on Friday night I travelled by underground and over-ground. They were sp Wembley paid tribute to the fallen on Armistice Day during England's crucial World Cup qualifier with Scotland Both England and Scotland players wore poppies for the game and lined up before kick-off for a minute of silence The two teams defied a ban …

The British Poppy represents a freedom so many died for – which means freedom not to wear it
8 years, 4 months ago

The British Poppy represents a freedom so many died for – which means freedom not to wear it

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We do not need to take …

England vs Scotland: You don't have to be an Express reader to demand the inalienable right to wear a poppy
8 years, 4 months ago

England vs Scotland: You don't have to be an Express reader to demand the inalienable right to wear a poppy

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. ‘West Brom’s James McClean REFUSES to wear poppy on his shirt’, the …

Veteran’s advice on how to wear Remembrance Day poppy is shared around the world
9 years, 4 months ago

Veteran’s advice on how to wear Remembrance Day poppy is shared around the world

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A veteran’s advice on the best way to wear a …

Lonely people need an invitation to tea, not tears
9 years, 4 months ago

Lonely people need an invitation to tea, not tears

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy I love …

Persecuting people for not wearing poppies – now that’s real courage
9 years, 4 months ago

Persecuting people for not wearing poppies – now that’s real courage

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We can also be grateful the …

If you don't wear a poppy, you're sent to the social guillotine. Is this what British soldiers died for?
9 years, 4 months ago

If you don't wear a poppy, you're sent to the social guillotine. Is this what British soldiers died for?

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Poppy …

Puritan poppy-shamers should find a better use of their time
9 years, 4 months ago

Puritan poppy-shamers should find a better use of their time

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Of course, in the era of …

Barbara Windsor apologises for saying people who don't wear a poppy can 'sod off' during live television interview
9 years, 5 months ago

Barbara Windsor apologises for saying people who don't wear a poppy can 'sod off' during live television interview

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Barbara Windsor has apologised for …

Is Remembrance Day being undermined by 'poppy facism'?
10 years, 4 months ago

Is Remembrance Day being undermined by 'poppy facism'?

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He couldn’t just turn up wearing …

Honouring the dead by wearing a red poppy does not endorse war
10 years, 4 months ago

Honouring the dead by wearing a red poppy does not endorse war

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An extraordinary …

The sea of red poppies to honour the Glorious Dead: William, Kate and Harry add to the 888,246 ceramic flowers planted at the Tower of London to remember every British life lost in the Great War
10 years, 7 months ago

The sea of red poppies to honour the Glorious Dead: William, Kate and Harry add to the 888,246 ceramic flowers planted at the Tower of London to remember every British life lost in the Great War

Daily Mail  

The young royals planted their own ceramic poppies at the Tower of London today, adding to a stunning sea of blood-red created to remember the Great War dead. Scroll down for videos Tribute to the brave dead: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry wander through the wonderful ceramic poppy field planted at the Tower of London Contribution: …

The abuse to Charlene White shows the issue of wearing a poppy has become massively overblown
11 years, 4 months ago

The abuse to Charlene White shows the issue of wearing a poppy has become massively overblown

The Independent  

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Google delivers elegant response to criticism of its poppy
11 years, 4 months ago

Google delivers elegant response to criticism of its poppy

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The response …

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