Over the past few weeks the UK’s population have pierced their lapels in order to wear the famous red poppy, which has been adorned by millions since 1921. But why do we wear it? Is forgoing one really the unappreciative snub from one who has no respect for the sacrifices made by our armed forces?
Last weekend I met a shop assistant that had stuck a small post-it to his jumper that simply said ‘no poppy here’. Growing up in an RAF household, he was acutely aware of the traditions that came with military life in Britain.
Eventually, his father came out as gay and was told to leave the Air Force voluntarily before being discharged. Aside with the sting of such memories, he feels that as opposed to respectfully honouring our fallen soldiers, the poppy wearing tradition does nought but to promote war, bureaucracy and hate.
Is this opinion such a gross misjudgement in an effort to rebel the establishment?
It’s certainly an increasing one, and looking a little closer it’s not all that hard to see why. Whether the commercialisation of ‘trendy’ poppy pins, badges and other paraphernalia (many sold by unofficial sources un-related to the British Legion); or extreme, right wing propaganda groups such as Britain’s First determined to use and abuse the symbolism to its own end, the context seems to be increasingly skewed.
A picture used in 2013 as an advertisement for the British Legion shows several youths wearing t-shirts emblazoned with ‘my mum and dad are soldiers’ and, quite scarily, ‘future soldier’.
Furthermore, one of the charity’s main annual events last year was sponsored by a multi-billion dollar, world-wide weapons company. Lockheed Martin have a statement about the ‘Poppy Rocks’ concert on their news page, and they don’t appear to have acknowledged any sickening irony.
Another twist appears within the Tower of London, of which held the stunning carpet of poppies adorning it last year. These were unfortunately short lived as they had to be removed for a dinner and arms deal in the tower with the UK government and various private weapons manufacturers, which took place soon after the 11th of November.
We swore to never forget the atrocities of the world wars, nor to forget a single of the fallen in battle before or since. We swore to remember so as to not repeat.
Yet here we are, encouraging the young to trot on down to their local recruitment office, because they don’t see a better option for themselves. Or perhaps they saw one of the many ad campaigns ran by the MoD, including the computer game style ‘Start Thinking Soldier’ which equates combat to a game.
It’s beginning to feel like, as a nation, we’re missing the point.
The Peace Pledge Union make white poppies pins, citing we remember ‘all victims of wars’ and striving towards peaceful action over violence, to help everyone. They too believe that the red poppy campaign has taken a dark turn somewhere along the line, and thus wanting to honour the dead whilst protecting the living, their union was born.
I have worn both white and red this week. Today, on the 11th of the 11th, I take the time to try and fathom what others have sacrificed to give me the freedom to choose. The freedom to write this; to express, to muse, to live.
And so I say to all those who have served our country and those who still do, thank you. Sometimes our armed forces have to enter into combat, to protect not only us but the innocent around the globe. This is not about race, gender, sexuality or religion. This is about thanks.
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.
Kate Taylor is a sociologist, mother and tea and cake lover. When not working in sociological and marketing research with her company, Galilee Research, Kate can be found talking about political philosophy on the school run.
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: