no idea mate but it is a big day in france along with the 8th May (VE Day)

the french mark this time of year not with poppies but with crysanthemums - they go on sale everywhere from the last wek in october and last a few weeks to cover 1st november (All Souls Day = Halloween) and continues through to cover the 11th and beyond to show their respect for the dead - again,as you say,I don't know how other european countries 'celebrate' this time of year ?

A few years ago, on 11th Nov, I was in a pub in Central London and wearing a poppy, as were a bunch of old soldiers in there who, I guess, had just been to the Cenotaph.

A German guy standing next to me (who I didn't know) pointed at my poppy and asked me why everyone was wearing these flowers.
I explained as best I could what it was about and he approved of the whole idea and asked me where he could get one.
He saw it as a symbol of the human cost of war and I swear his eyes were moistening as he said it.

Get radio 2 on now and listen to victors story 12.43 pm.

the full documentary is on tomorrow BBC 2 ( it might be radio 2 )9pm.

This guy is a real hero but very modest yet was no different to millions of others . despite that he has strong views on the bombing of Dresden and the wearing of poppies.

Couple of articles by Fisk about the poppy situation and how it relates to some of those who did fight in the two world wars. Belfast Telegraph The Independent

Couple of articles by Fisk about the poppy situation and how it relates to some of those who did fight in the two world wars. Belfast Telegraph The Independent

He will know that the losses included millions of his won countrymen, who were dragged along with no choice. I remember when our skipper came on the tannoy and announced the sinking of the Belgrano, the reaction from the crew was the same as when the Sheffield got hit, one of sorrow and certainly no celebrations.

Likewise, a very good friend of mine, who is German and who's own father served in WWI, has never remotely had a problem with the poppy, with wearing one himself and standing for the minute's silence wherever he was at the time.

Thanks Minty,, my Mum was on the other side

So many people suffered on all sides. For me, that's in my mind at this time of year. And that's largely why, for me at least, the poppy - and what goes with it - is not political. It's a remembrance of appalling wastes of human beings.

And thanks for your comment. Appreciated.

Does anyone on here bother with the Peace Pledge Union's white poppy?

Does anyone on here bother with the Peace Pledge Union's white poppy?

The problem with the white poppy is that its introduction was inevitably seen to represent something of a criticism of the sentiments behind the red poppy. And, for some, an implied criticism of those that served or serve in the forces.

The sentiments behind the white poppy are perfectly fine, I'm sure that 90% of those that wear the red poppy would agree with them. If anything it should be seen as complimentary to the red poppy. But it just doesnt feel that way. It seems more like a challenge, one that is unecessary.