EXPLAINED: Why I wear a white poppy
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The year 2023 has been a stark reminder of the impact that war can have on the lives of civilians and the lasting impact it can have on the world.
November is always a poignant time of year as we approach Remembrance Day which I spend thinking of all civilians and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice when conscripted to fight during the First and Second World Wars.
This November the significance of this day for remembering all victims of warfare is more important than ever, with the constant horror of watching from afar at what is happening currently in the middle east, Ukraine and elsewhere.
For years now, I have chosen to wear a white poppy. For anyone reading that is not familiar with the white poppy, it is used as a symbol of pacifism and signifies remembrance for all civilian and military casualties of all wars across the world.
White poppies were produced and first worn in 1933 in the aftermath of the First World War by many who had lost friends and family and wanted to remember all victims of war by channelling a commitment to peace.
Since then, the Peace Pledge Union, a pacifist campaigning organisation, has been promoting peacebuilding and nonviolence and providing education on conflict resolution, causes of war and conscientious objection.
Geoff Tibbs, Remembrance Project Manager at Peace Pledge Union, directed me to the three things that White Poppies represent at Peace Pledge Union:
- Remembrance of all victims of war - including both civilians and members of the armed forces. We remember people of all nationalities. We remember those killed in wars happening now, as well as in the past. We also remember those who are often excluded from the mainstream, such as refugees and victims of colonial conflicts.
- Challenging war and militarism - as well as any attempt to glorify or celebrate war. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified. They remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today.
- A commitment to peace - and to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict. By drawing attention to the devastating human cost of war, white poppies highlight the urgency of our ongoing struggle for peace.
From my own perspective, I wear a white poppy as all three of these values are representative of my beliefs and commitment towards nonviolence.
A question many have asked me upon seeing my white poppy is how my donation for purchasing a white poppy helps victims of war? The donation to Peace Pledge Union exists to support their commitment towards peace, and ensuring education is available for promoting pacifism. However, I like many other white poppy wearers continue to contribute donations towards the red poppy appeal, and other charities helping civilians and soldiers affected by warfare, whilst choosing to wear a white instead of red poppy on my chest.
To find out more information about white poppies, including how to buy them online or where to find them across the country, visit the Peace Pledge Union’s website at https://www.ppu.org.uk/
As I wear my white poppy this year as with every year, this Remembrance Day I will be thinking of all those who lost their life in every war. This includes soldiers and civilians, from the United Kingdom and every other country, in every war from the past and from the present.
