Every year at this time, we take a moment to remember those who have died in battle. Namely those who perished in the first and second world wars. Many of us will do this with flowers, many more buy buying a Poppy from the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Somme Poppys

But a new battle has begun over the use of the poppy in modern society, with some claiming it glorifies war. You.Gov.co.uk asked a random selection of people their views and here is what they heard.

“We must remember”

“if anything reminds us of war it is not a glamorous or glorious thing”

“they are a glorification of war and doesn’t teach us anything”

“too much of a fasion accessory”

“it’s a practical way to raise badly needed funds”

“we should learn from wars”

“I resent contributing these days because I think we are fighting wars we have no business in”

“it’s time to leave the poppy appeal behind”

“without their sacrifise the critics would not be free to criticise”

All fair points but what do you think? I think to suggest it glorifies war is a bit over the top. It was a different type of war to any we could see in modern times. These were just wars that had the freedom of an entire continent of people at stake. I could not say the same for any wars since WW2, not that those men were any less brave for their sacrifice. But I think it is really important to remember those that fought in world war 2, but have we really learn the lessons from it? War should have no place in our society. It was a real genuine tragedy that so many people lost so much, yet they successfully defended so much more and for that we should be eternally in their debt.