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I had a problem this year. I always attempt to find a Commonwealth War Grave in which to pay my respects to fallen comrades and where I lay my faithful flower to rest; Cambodia boasts no such site. I attempted to elicit what arrangements were afoot at the British Embassy in Phnom Penh, for expats to honour the dead but they couldnt be bothered answering my requests.
At the appropriate hour on Sunday I braved the traffic on the old bridge that spans the Kampot River and, with motos dashing past mere inches from my back, held my personal ceremony before consigning this years poppy to the deep; a rather fitting tribute from an old matelot, I thought.
Dave
I did my bit on Sunday also. back in the UK I went to a local cenotaph for the ceremony, despite my mixed views about remembrance Sunday etc I always try to pay my respects.
Hardly any youngsters there at all. So maybe if the folks who wonder why the attendances are dwindling brought along their kids and grandkids maybe they would not do so. Also one guy in his mid to late fifties was talking on his phone despite the programme asking all to turn off their mobiles, he did not even have the decency to leave the immediate area. Together with two different conversations that were taking place on my left and right, during the ceremony, I deduced that times are changing and it ain't all down to the youngsters. Oh well there's always next year.
Pretty much extinct here in the US. The First World War was minor one for us, bigger than the Spanish-American War but not in the same league as the Civil War or The War.
Until just now, I hadn't realized that the custom originated in the US.
Dave
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Remembrance
As is my wont, I wore my poppy with pride during the month prior to Remembrance Day and attracted many glances and a few comments n both Thailand and Cambodia. It has proven interesting that, as the years pass, I am queried more and more by members of the Commonwealth as to what occasion is denoted by a Flanders Poppy perched on my chest, a sad reflection on the ignorance induced by politicians who dont give a damn if votes are not involved.I had a problem this year. I always attempt to find a Commonwealth War Grave in which to pay my respects to fallen comrades and where I lay my faithful flower to rest; Cambodia boasts no such site. I attempted to elicit what arrangements were afoot at the British Embassy in Phnom Penh, for expats to honour the dead but they couldnt be bothered answering my requests.
At the appropriate hour on Sunday I braved the traffic on the old bridge that spans the Kampot River and, with motos dashing past mere inches from my back, held my personal ceremony before consigning this years poppy to the deep; a rather fitting tribute from an old matelot, I thought.
Dave
1
Hi,I did my bit on Sunday also. back in the UK I went to a local cenotaph for the ceremony, despite my mixed views about remembrance Sunday etc I always try to pay my respects.
Hardly any youngsters there at all. So maybe if the folks who wonder why the attendances are dwindling brought along their kids and grandkids maybe they would not do so. Also one guy in his mid to late fifties was talking on his phone despite the programme asking all to turn off their mobiles, he did not even have the decency to leave the immediate area. Together with two different conversations that were taking place on my left and right, during the ceremony, I deduced that times are changing and it ain't all down to the youngsters. Oh well there's always next year.
2
It's interesting that in NZ on ANZAC day, which is our major tribute day rather than your date, the numbers of young ones attending has increased dramatically. The RSA has made quite major changes, and perhaps concessions, to some of the traditions - ie wives, children and grand children are allowed to wear inherited medals (but on the opposite side) and may march in the parades. The TV footage is really heartwarming to see.6
I got the impression over at YC that poppy-wearing, or at least the period of poppy-wearing, has increased of late in the UK and the other commonwealth countries. One used to wear them only on 11/11, no? Now my understanding is that politicians and TV presenters will be wearing them for weeks before that.Pretty much extinct here in the US. The First World War was minor one for us, bigger than the Spanish-American War but not in the same league as the Civil War or The War.
11
This letter remids me of where I got the impression that they used to worn only on 11 November in the UK (as in theUS of my youth).Sir – The solution to the Dorothy L Sayers mystery The Unpleasantness at The Bellona Club (first published in 1928, only 10 years after the Armistice) hinges on the fact that poppies are worn only on Armistice Day.
Now that we are encouraged to wear the poppy for several weeks before November 11 and Remembrance Sunday, why do we take them off afterwards?
Bill Welland, Somerton, Somerset
Now that we are encouraged to wear the poppy for several weeks before November 11 and Remembrance Sunday, why do we take them off afterwards?
Bill Welland, Somerton, Somerset
Until just now, I hadn't realized that the custom originated in the US.
14
In the 50s and 60s we wore the poppy for the month before Nov 11 and they were on general sale for all that time. Among the ignorant it dropped off during the 80s onward. Politicians have given the wearing of poppies a higher profile in the last few years partly to gain votes and partly to offset the growing anger at the poor treatment returning servicemen were receiving under the last administration - which also gains votes.Dave
