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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/15/poppy-politics
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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
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| Poppy politics | Poppy politics |
| (10 days later) | |
| Remembrance Sunday is for remembering and paying respect to service personnel killed in conflict (Eyewitness, 12 November), but for many its association with the establishment, its stage management and the questionable legality of recent wars have given it an increasing ideological content. My own town was virtually militarised on the Saturday, with army personnel and vehicles everywhere, making it appear more of a publicity event for the armed forces than the prelude to a day of sober reflection. I am offended by this; the more so given the absence of remembrance for the thousands of Iraqi and Afghan civilians killed by western forces or British aid workers who have lost their lives. Burning poppies (Report, 13 November) is certainly offensive to many, but it is also a reminder that the red poppy has, for others, taken on an increasingly political aspect. Is comment on this, however crudely expressed, now a criminal offence? Is attendance at ceremonies to become compulsory, perhaps? Helen Carpenter Address supplied | Remembrance Sunday is for remembering and paying respect to service personnel killed in conflict (Eyewitness, 12 November), but for many its association with the establishment, its stage management and the questionable legality of recent wars have given it an increasing ideological content. My own town was virtually militarised on the Saturday, with army personnel and vehicles everywhere, making it appear more of a publicity event for the armed forces than the prelude to a day of sober reflection. I am offended by this; the more so given the absence of remembrance for the thousands of Iraqi and Afghan civilians killed by western forces or British aid workers who have lost their lives. Burning poppies (Report, 13 November) is certainly offensive to many, but it is also a reminder that the red poppy has, for others, taken on an increasingly political aspect. Is comment on this, however crudely expressed, now a criminal offence? Is attendance at ceremonies to become compulsory, perhaps? Helen Carpenter Address supplied |
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