Wearing Your Poppy with Pride: A Guide to Remembrance Day in the UK

Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom is a deeply significant occasion, observed annually on the 11th of November to commemorate the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. Central to this observance is the wearing of the poppy, a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the poppy, its history, and the proper way to wear it with respect and understanding.

Understanding the Significance of the Poppy

The poppy’s association with remembrance stems from the First World War. Fields of poppies were among the first plants to bloom on the devastated battlefields of Flanders, in Belgium and northern France. Their vibrant red color became a poignant symbol of the bloodshed and sacrifice of the war. The poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in 1915, further cemented the poppy’s connection to remembrance. The opening lines, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row,” captured the public’s imagination and helped to establish the poppy as a lasting emblem of remembrance.

Following the First World War, the Royal British Legion was founded in 1921 to provide support to ex-servicemen and their families. Inspired by the work of Anna E. Guérin, who was selling poppies to raise funds for war orphans in France, the Legion adopted the poppy as its symbol. In the same year, they held the first Poppy Appeal, selling artificial poppies to raise money for those in need. The Poppy Appeal has continued annually ever since, becoming a major fundraising event and a powerful symbol of national unity.

The Poppy Appeal: Supporting the Armed Forces Community

The funds raised through the Poppy Appeal are used to provide vital support to serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces, their families, and dependants. This support includes financial assistance, help with housing, employment opportunities, mental health support, and access to care and rehabilitation services. The Royal British Legion also campaigns on behalf of the Armed Forces community, working to ensure that their needs are met and their sacrifices are recognized.

Wearing a poppy is a visible way to show your support for the Poppy Appeal and to remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country. It is a symbol of respect, gratitude, and hope for a peaceful future.

Different Types of Poppies Available

The Royal British Legion offers several types of poppies to choose from, allowing individuals to express their remembrance in various ways. The most common type is the traditional paper poppy, which is available in a range of sizes. Other options include:

• The Traditional Paper Poppy: The most recognizable and widely worn poppy, made of paper with a green leaf and a black centre. Available in various sizes.
• The Pin Badge Poppy: A more durable option, often made of metal or enamel. These can be worn year after year as a lasting symbol of remembrance.
• The Poppy Brooch: A decorative poppy, often adorned with crystals or other embellishments. These can be a stylish way to show your support.
• The Poppy Lapel Pin: A small, subtle poppy pin that can be worn on a lapel or collar.
• The Remembrance Poppy Cross: A small wooden cross adorned with a poppy, often placed on graves or at memorial sites.
• The Scottish Poppy (with four petals and no leaf): Produced by Poppyscotland, it differs slightly in appearance from the English version.
• Cloth Poppies: Made of fabric and often chosen for their durability and unique texture.
• Rainbow Poppy: Introduced to commemorate LGBTQ+ veterans and members of the Armed Forces. This symbolizes inclusion and diversity within the remembrance community.
• White Poppy: Worn by some as a symbol of peace and a commitment to non-violence. It represents remembrance for all victims of war, including civilians. Its use is controversial, with some considering it disrespectful to the traditional red poppy.

Choosing which poppy to wear is a personal decision. Consider the style, durability, and the message you wish to convey.

How to Obtain a Poppy

Poppies are widely available in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day. They can be obtained from a variety of locations, including:

• Street Vendors: Volunteers from the Royal British Legion and other organizations often sell poppies on high streets and in public places.
• Shops and Businesses: Many shops, supermarkets, and businesses display boxes of poppies for customers to take.
• Royal British Legion Branches: Local branches of the Royal British Legion often have poppies available for donation.
• Online: The Royal British Legion’s website allows you to donate online and request a poppy to be sent to you.

The Poppy Appeal relies on donations, so be sure to give generously when you obtain your poppy. Any amount, big or small, contributes to the vital work of supporting the Armed Forces community.

Wearing Your Poppy with Respect: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wearing a poppy is a simple but meaningful act of remembrance. However, it’s important to wear it with respect and understanding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to wearing your poppy properly:

1. Choose Your Poppy: Select the type of poppy that resonates with you. Whether it’s the traditional paper poppy, a pin badge, or a brooch, choose one that you feel comfortable wearing.
2. Positioning the Poppy: The traditionally accepted position for wearing a poppy is on the left lapel of your coat or jacket, or as near to the heart as possible. The reasoning behind this placement is to symbolize that you are keeping those who sacrificed for their country close to your heart.
3. Securing the Poppy: The method of securing the poppy depends on the type of poppy you have chosen. Here’s how to secure different types of poppies:
   • Paper Poppy:
     1. Using the Pin: The paper poppy comes with a pin attached to the back. Carefully push the pin through your clothing and secure it with the clasp. Ensure the clasp is firmly in place to prevent the poppy from falling off.
     2. Reinforcing the Pin: The paper poppy’s pin can sometimes be flimsy and prone to bending or breaking. To reinforce it, you can use a small piece of rubber or plastic, such as an eraser backing or a small piece of adhesive putty, on the back of the pin to provide extra support.
     3. Using a Separate Pin: If the original pin breaks or is too weak, you can use a separate safety pin or a small brooch pin to secure the poppy. Thread the pin through the fabric of the poppy and your clothing, ensuring it is firmly fastened.
   • Pin Badge Poppy:
     1. Using the Butterfly Clutch: Most pin badge poppies come with a butterfly clutch on the back. Push the pin through your clothing and attach the butterfly clutch to secure it. Ensure the clutch is firmly in place to prevent the poppy from falling off.
     2. Using a Locking Pin Back: For extra security, you can replace the butterfly clutch with a locking pin back. These pin backs have a locking mechanism that prevents them from accidentally coming undone.
   • Poppy Brooch:
     1. Using the Clasp: Poppy brooches typically have a clasp on the back that opens and closes to secure the brooch to your clothing. Open the clasp, position the brooch on your clothing, and close the clasp to fasten it. Ensure the clasp is securely closed to prevent the brooch from falling off.
4. Wearing it with Respect: Wear your poppy with pride and respect. Avoid wearing it in a way that could be seen as disrespectful, such as attaching it to a bag or hat. Remember that the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and should be treated with dignity.
5. Removing the Poppy: There is no set rule as to when you should stop wearing your poppy. Many people choose to wear it until Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, or until the 11th of November. After this date, you can choose to remove your poppy or continue wearing it as a personal reminder.
6. Caring for your Poppy: If you are wearing a paper poppy, it may become damaged or worn over time. If this happens, you can replace it with a new poppy. Pin badge poppies and brooches can be cleaned with a soft cloth to keep them looking their best.

Common Questions and Misconceptions about Wearing a Poppy

Over the years, several questions and misconceptions have arisen regarding the wearing of a poppy. Addressing these can help ensure that the poppy is worn with understanding and respect:

• Is it disrespectful to not wear a poppy? No, it is not inherently disrespectful to choose not to wear a poppy. The Royal British Legion emphasizes that wearing a poppy is a personal choice, and individuals should not feel pressured to wear one if they do not wish to. However, it’s important to be mindful of the significance of the poppy and to avoid actions that could be interpreted as deliberately disrespectful.
• Is it okay to wear a poppy all year round? While it’s generally accepted to wear a poppy in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, wearing it all year round is less common. Some people choose to wear a pin badge poppy year-round as a personal symbol of remembrance, but this is a matter of individual preference.
• What does the leaf on the poppy represent? Some people believe that the leaf on the poppy should be positioned at 11 o’clock to represent the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when the First World War ended. However, the Royal British Legion has stated that there is no specific way to wear the poppy and that the leaf is simply part of the design.
• Is it okay to wear a poppy on a hat or bag? While the traditional placement for a poppy is on the left lapel or near the heart, some people choose to wear it on a hat or bag. However, it’s important to ensure that the poppy is displayed respectfully and is not damaged or obscured.
• What if I lose my poppy? Losing a poppy can be upsetting, but it’s important to remember that it’s the thought that counts. You can obtain another poppy from a vendor or shop, or you can simply make a donation to the Poppy Appeal in memory of those who have served.
• Why are there different colored poppies? The red poppy is the traditional symbol of remembrance for those who have served in the Armed Forces. White poppies are worn by some as a symbol of peace and a commitment to non-violence. Purple poppies are worn to remember animals that have died in war. The choice of which poppy to wear is a personal one.

Alternative Ways to Show Your Respect on Remembrance Day

Wearing a poppy is just one way to show your respect on Remembrance Day. There are many other ways to commemorate the occasion and honor those who have served. These include:

• Attending a Remembrance Service: Many towns and villages hold Remembrance Day services at war memorials or cenotaphs. These services typically include a two-minute silence, the laying of wreaths, and readings from religious texts and poems.
• Observing the Two-Minute Silence: The two-minute silence is observed at 11 am on Remembrance Day. During this time, people are encouraged to stop what they are doing and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served.
• Donating to the Poppy Appeal: Even if you choose not to wear a poppy, you can still support the Poppy Appeal by making a donation. Your contribution will help the Royal British Legion provide vital support to the Armed Forces community.
• Visiting a War Memorial or Cemetery: Visiting a war memorial or cemetery is a powerful way to pay your respects to those who have died in service. You can lay a wreath or flowers, or simply spend some time reflecting on their sacrifice.
• Learning About Military History: Take some time to learn about the history of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices that have been made in past conflicts. This can help you to better understand the significance of Remembrance Day.
• Supporting Veterans’ Charities: In addition to the Royal British Legion, there are many other charities that support veterans and their families. Consider donating to one of these organizations or volunteering your time to help them with their work.
• Educating Future Generations: Pass on the importance of Remembrance Day to younger generations by sharing stories of veterans and explaining the significance of the poppy. This will help to ensure that the sacrifices of those who have served are never forgotten.

The Future of Remembrance

As time passes and the number of living veterans from the World Wars dwindles, it is more important than ever to ensure that the tradition of remembrance continues. By understanding the significance of the poppy, wearing it with respect, and participating in Remembrance Day activities, we can honor the sacrifices of those who have served and ensure that their legacy lives on for generations to come.

Remembrance is not just about looking back at the past; it is also about looking forward to the future. By remembering the lessons of history and working towards a more peaceful world, we can honor the memory of those who have died in service and build a better future for all.

Conclusion

Wearing a poppy is a powerful way to show your support for the Armed Forces community and to remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country. By following this guide and wearing your poppy with respect and understanding, you can contribute to the important tradition of remembrance and help to ensure that the sacrifices of those who have served are never forgotten.

This Remembrance Day, let us all wear our poppies with pride and gratitude, and let us remember the words of Laurence Binyon: “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.”