Letter: Why I Shall Be Wearing A White Poppy In Remembrance

Published on: 6 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 4 Nov, 2016

From John Morris of The Peace Party

One can hardly miss the larger than life-size red poppies this year – in the railway station foyer and on some buses.

Presumably South West Trains and Stagecoach are making large donations to the Poppy Appeal this year? They are also saying that they remember the members of the UK armed forces slain, injured and disabled for life in a century of wars in which various governments sent their subjects to do battle.

But we should also be remembering, surely, everyone, military and civilian, who has died and suffered physically and mentally as a result of war and wars.

More importantly still we should be using this opportunity to do our bit to work to change the culture of the country from one where war and violence are used to try to create a sort of peace. That is the one where the government assumes it can maintain it by stacking up weaponry and by training men and women to kill their fellows.

This year, I shall be wearing a white poppy for remembrance of all who have died and suffered in war. I shall be wearing it as a reminder to do my best to bring about a culture of peace.

John Morris.

I shall also be taking part in a gathering of those seeking a world of positive peace at 10.30am on Sunday, November 13 in Quakers Acre (the garden next to the library in North Street, Guildford) and leaving there a wreath of white poppies.

White poppies are available from me or from the Quaker Meeting House (money surplus to donations will be given to UNHCR).

John Morris

39 Sheepfold Road, Guildford GU2 9TT

Tel: 0772 096 5577.

Responses to Letter: Why I Shall Be Wearing A White Poppy In Remembrance

Bernard Parke Reply

November 6, 2016 at 7:19 am

One should always respect the other point of view, but would not this white poppy idea have a greater effect if a time in the spring would were chosen? This would no doubt have a greater effect and not cause distress to those of us who wish to remember our dead who paid the supreme sacrifice for our freedom from tyranny.

If such a day in the spring was earmarked, it would be at a time of rebirth when the dark days of winter were passing into a time of light and hope.
Ben Paton Reply

November 6, 2016 at 12:55 pm

If the writer really believed in peace surely he would leave a harmless, well intentioned, and venerated tradition alone?

It’s natural and commendable that people should remember what their ancestors did for them and what our armed forces do for us at great personal sacrifice. And, of course, it is not only those who died who are remembered.

The writer’s sentiments/point of view are also commendable and admirable. But why does he need to set it up in opposition to something else rather than as an addition?

If you want to have a tradition why not go and create your own rather than seek to hijack someone else’s?