When's the right time to start wearing a poppy?

I'll wear mine on remembrance day, and usually I don't see the point of wearing it at any other time. I don't need a poppy on my shirt to remember. Having said that I'll be at a 1940s dance this weekend to raise money for the Royal British Legion and will wear it then too.

 

I usually wear a Poppy about a week before the day, but having said that, I find it increasingly more difficult these days to find a seller, went to three or four shops before I could find one.

Regards
Peter

 

Here in Canada, we will have a brief service at the Cenotaph complete with the raising of the Poppy flag on Friday at 11. The Poppies will be distributed until the 11th.

I wear it at all ceremonials, as well as the funerals of the old lads who answer the eternal pay parade. I also have a magnetic one on the rear of my car. It has been stolen twice!

To me, a poppy is an attitude -- of remembrance, of appreciation, and of sacrifice.

To you, from failing hands we throw
the torch; be yours to hold it high,
if ye break faith with us who die,
we shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flander's Fields.

At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning,
we will remember them.

phil

 

. I also have an enamel badge which I wear when the paper poppy gets a bit tatty, or falls off as they sometimes do.


Sometimes?

I wear an enamel poppy (different ones for different jackets) - along with a small enamel cornflower which, for some reason, usually attracts more interest than the poppy - all year round. I gave up with the paper ones some time back as I got sick of wearing just a shiny metal pin on the run up to Nov 11th!

Dave.

 

I kind of think 'from the point the appeal's officially launched' (Which I believe was yesterday?), practically though, from roughly the first of November onwards.

I do sometimes wonder if the Poppy itself is cunningly designed to fall off and get lost in order to nudge you back to the collecting tin... seem to get through about four every year, and the kids probably more.

Yes, yesterday was the official launch of this years appeal. Very pleasingly, a colleague phoned the RBL last week and a bloke turned up yesterday with a box of poppies, crosses and wristbands together with a collecting box. Now installed in the reception here at the office. Collection going well but I'm pleased to see a version of the 'water-cooler' kind of conversation taking place, prompted by the poppies.

H

 

Wristbands?

Aha:
The Royal British Legion Riders Branch

The wrist bands we have been 'issued' with are blue, with alternating union jack and poppy motifs. I met the Legion Riders chappie a couple of weeks ago, big respect to him and his colleagues...

H

 

When is the right time? Whenever the individual feels it is appropriate, thats when. Its a moving symbol and sold for a good cause so feel free is what I say.

 

Same here, Dave!

Especially as you dont seem to be able to find any poppy sellers :mellow:





Sometimes?
I wear an enamel poppy

 

When I see a tin. And about a half dozen more as I lose em. Simples people... No debate.. Just buy em.

 

Sometimes?

I wear an enamel poppy (different ones for different jackets) - along with a small enamel cornflower which, for some reason, usually attracts more interest than the poppy - all year round. I gave up with the paper ones some time back as I got sick of wearing just a shiny metal pin on the run up to Nov 11th!

Dave.

I wear a small enamel one on my jacket all year around and from the official RBL launch of the annual Poppy Appeal I wear a normal Poppy.

Dave,

I take it that you are aware of the symbolism of the blue cornflower enamel badge? especially in what was German occupied Europe.

Regards
Tom

 

Personal preference IMO.

I have had the same paper/plastic poppy in my car since 1998 and I have a pin popping that I bought when I was a copper and wore it perminately on my body armour. It is now worn perminately on a green shirt.

 

Just returned from a second two hour stint outside the Coop - ou!err! my 84year old aching back . Collection boxes are a queer shape and don't hold too much of the small change they've got in their hands from the check-out! Also not too many keen on the paperwork involved in filling in a Gift Aid form (which also takes up room in the collection box). The new format with sticky backs are very popular - pity they fall off so easily. The kids are lovely though! Just love putting all those coppers in the tin. Branch Chairman likes us to wear the campaign medals (one kid said - "Coo! He's got a lot of BADGES!" Thnk I'll have a cuppa now.
P.S. Who cares when they wear them - as long as we keep collecting for the poor sods returning from the latest Government folly!
P.P.S As well as for the sadly bereaved families of those who'll never be sent again.

 

I joined the RBL the other week (I always said I wouldn't) and I was quite surprised by how much the state owes the RBL. I can't remember the ball park figure but it was over several million pounds !