This November I’m wearing a white poppy on my coat lapel. It’s from the Peace Pledge Union, a fascinating organisation which dates from 1934.
For me the white poppy acknowledges the loss and suffering of so many in conflicts from all sides: Soldiers, spies, resistance fighters, prisoners, wives, children. Yes, our armed forces have sacrificed enormously – but why should injured soldiers and widows depend on charity from the Royal British Legion for their care? Government sends them into danger, government should give them the care they deserve.
The white poppy is also pledging to find peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. Much more time and energy needs to go into developing non-violent ways of ending conflict. Too many people have died in conflict, yet nations seem content to pour billions into arms and scant pennies into the alternatives.
Jason Kitcat 
5 replies on “Why I’m wearing a white poppy this November”
I know what mate, lets sit back and let the government do everything for us, insead of getting off our our backside and thanking the troups ourselves for their sacrifice… prat
So you don’t believe an employer has any duty of care for their employees, particularly in such a dangerous profession?
Do you think we would have won world war 2 if the soldiers had been considering the armies obligations to them as an employer?
Being a soldier is not the same as being an employee and equating the British legion with some truculent trade’s union is incredibly insulting to a great deal of people.
Dear Andrew
The Employer/employee is a counter example to Peter’s point. Of course in an all-out world war with conscripts it’s not the same thing. However today we have an entirely professional army. Regardless, if government orders our armed forces into harm’s way then the government should pick up the bill for the inevitable long and painful aftermath.
I have not equated the Legion with a union, of any sort, so I don’t know why you are raising that. The Legion do incredible work, I just question why soldiers should have to depend on their charity.
I had not heard about white poppies before – too late for me to send off for some now, but will try and remember for next year. Thanks Jason