Off Topic Remembrance Day Thread

[sb_73]

We usually have one of these, generally respectful and moving, with Swords asking, year after year, about the significance of the poppy and whether it supports war, in the hope of starting an argument. I miss him, the old tosser.

Today I was reading about Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, nowadays generally blamed for the carnage on the Somme and at Paschaendale. What I didn't realise was that he was also responsible for the 100 days offensive in 1918 which won the war and was a national hero until the 1950s. After the war he devoted himself to veterans' welfare, formed the British Legion which adopted the poppy, raising the present day equivalent of £30m in its first year. At his state funeral in 1928 more people lined the streets than for Diana, Princess of Wales.

 

[Tramore Ranger]

It's a shame that UEFA/FIFA don't understand the significance of the Poppy, instead believing it's a Political statement.......

They should have seen the display at the Tower of London was it last year or the year before of the thousands of poppies laid out, truly inspiring display.

As an aside it's taken them 7 months to take action against Ireland for daring to wear the logo of the centenary celebration on their shirts in a friendly against Switzerland in March.......

 

[Bush Rhino]

We usually have one of these, generally respectful and moving, with Swords asking, year after year, about the significance of the poppy and whether it supports war, in the hope of starting an argument. I miss him, the old tosser.

Today I was reading about Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, nowadays generally blamed for the carnage on the Somme and at Paschaendale. What I didn't realise was that he was also responsible for the 100 days offensive in 1918 which won the war and was a national hero until the 1950s. After the war he devoted himself to veterans' welfare, formed the British Legion which adopted the poppy, raising the present day equivalent of £30m in its first year. At his state funeral in 1928 more people lined the streets than for Diana, Princess of Wales.

Ah yes Swords, I remember him.

I think series 4 Blackadder may of misinformed people of FM Haigs role, but the jokes were from the side of those taking his orders. That's quite a legacy he achieved.

 

[Rangers Til I Die]

Really important day to remind people of the free democracy we enjoy in this country and the price with which it was bought by so many.
We, the many, do indeed owe so very much to 'the few'.

 

[Sooperhoop]

Sadly, it was the way wars were fought in those days. Soldiers were literally cannon-fodder and those who were traumatised were often executed as cowards. Totally different perspective these days and 'leaders' such as Haig are easy targets with hindsight. As you say Stan, he was revered as a hero in his own time. War is not a pretty game...

 

[Didley Squat]

Sadly, it was the way wars were fought in those days. Soldiers were literally cannon-fodder and those who were traumatised were often executed as cowards. Totally different perspective these days and 'leaders' such as Haig are easy targets with hindsight. As you say Stan, he was revered as a hero in his own time. War is not a pretty game...

" There is nothing glorious about war with the exception of those who served us so valiantly"

 

[Stroller]

This is encouraging.....

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/29/young-muslims-poppy-selling-rembrance-_n_2038318.html

 

[Hoops Eternal]

Spent a couple of days in London earlier this week. Whilst waiting for our train home on Thursday at Liverpool St. station there numerous armed forces personnel at the station in full regalia looking resplendent. None more so than a couple of Gurkhas in kilts and bagpipes, brought a lump to my throat. It was London poppy day apparently.

 

[kiwiqpr]

This is encouraging.....

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/29/young-muslims-poppy-selling-rembrance-_n_2038318.html

that storys from 2012 stroller
are they still collecting

 

[Kilburn]

Quite the remembrance landscape displayed in the stands at the Leicester v WBA match.

You must log in or register to see images

 

[TheBigDipper]

The purpose behind the poppy gets my support 100%. I found the Tower of London display extremely moving.

I've never felt the Armistice Day ceremony glorifies war. It recognises the sacrifice of so many ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances they wouldn't have chosen for themselves.

What a shame other people try and put words and intentions into the mouths of the dead for their own benefit. They'll do it again this year - just watch the front pages.

 

[sheffordqpr]

I shall be attending the memorial service outside our local church on Sunday and will along with others, wear my poppy with pride. FIFA can do one as far as I am concerned. They are trying to force our players to bend to their will. Exactly the sort of enforcement that wars have be fought over.

 

[Hoops Eternal]

I shall be attending the memorial service outside our local church on Sunday and will along with others, wear my poppy with pride. FIFA can do one as far as I am concerned. They are trying to force our players to bend to their will. Exactly the sort of enforcement that wars have be fought over.

Both England and Scotland say they will disregard the FIFA ruling, I just hope that they stick to it.

 

[Didley Squat]

Just read that Ireland are to wear black arm bands instand of poppies for their next clash.
What a pathetic back down. They and all relevant countries should tell FIFA to shove it.
If it wasn't for the efforts of the allied men & woman in the second world war, there would be no FIFA,
Gutless.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-Azerbaijan-clash-following-FIFA-warning.html

 

[finglasqpr]

FIFA started in 1928 before the second world war. I agree that all countries should tell FIFA to "shove it".

 

[Tramore Ranger]

Just read that Ireland are to wear black arm bands instand of poppies for their next clash.
What a pathetic back down. They and all relevant countries should tell FIFA to shove it.
If it wasn't for the efforts of the allied men & woman in the second world war, there would be no FIFA,
Gutless.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-Azerbaijan-clash-following-FIFA-warning.html

To be fair Aussie that is Northern Ireland and the wearing of a Poppy up there can be a tad contentious in some communities, see James McLeans stance on the matter. I think the Black Armbands is a suitable compromise.......although I do agree with your sentiments......

 

[Stroller]

You must log in or register to see images

 

[Tramore Ranger]

I saw on the news this morning that the BBC put a poppy on a puppet for last nights One Show in case people were offended that it didn't have a poppy on!!!!!!! I have to say that is PC gone to ridiculous lengths, as Brian Conley would say "It's a Puppet"

There was a good interview with Michael Morpurgo the author of War Horse who said that personal choice about wearing a poppy seems to have gone and now people feel compelled to wear it because if they don't they are being made to feel as if they are not remembering those who sacrificed their lives. He's right it should be a personal choice and someone choosing not to wear a poppy for whatever reason shouldn't be made to feel bad about it, we all remember those in our own way.

We will remember them.......

 

[Didley Squat]

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

 

[QPR999]

You must log in or register to see images