This Old Poppy – by request of the lady below who said I should share this with others.
Today I was accosted again for being a Cheap Buqqer as I was wearing my very old remembrance poppy.
Happens like clockwork – pretty much every year. This year it was an old Legion Member that decided to dress me down like the errant schoolboy that I sometimes am – even at 56.
So after she was finished – and quite out of breath – I quietly told her this story:
This poppy means a lot to me. My father who was a bomber pilot in the RAF gave it to me under what I consider to be extraordinary conditions. It was he who decided that 11 was the right age to begin to let me into the secrets of living life as an adult. Some fathers wait for a few more years , some never actually do anything about teaching their offspring the ways of the world – but both my parents took their responsibilities seriously. It wasn’t so much that he was willing to share the hardships and gory details of anything – it was however the beginning of the growing into an adult stage of my life.
This process started the summer of 1963 and much to my amazement has continued to this day – even though he passed away October 31, 2001 – I am still finding lessons in the stories that he told.
November 11 was always a day that he went to the ceremonies – by himself – or with my Uncle or Grandfather if he happened to be around. This year was to be my first, and yes it was exciting to go to something that seemed to be so grown up. What I knew about war and the life of soldiers was garnered from some of the stories told, and the little bit of reading that I did on the subject. So I clearly did not know the real significance of what the 11th was about.
In the days leading up to November 11 we had some general talks about what would happen and of course the significance of the red poppy. By the time the day arrived I had lost 2 or 3 of them and as luck would have it I somehow lost the last one by the time we reached the ceremony. I was mortified – everybody else had a poppy except me – I thought that everyone was looking at me and wondering how I could be so disrespectful. At some point before the actual ceremony started my father noticed that I didn’t have my poppy and asked about it. Almost in tears I replied that I had it on in the car but must have lost it between there and here. I was all set for a lecture on taking care of things and was so surprised when he took his off and pinned it on my jacket.
I was aghast that he no longer had one for himself and mumbled something to that effect. All he said was “See to it that you don’t lose this one”. He then said to me “ This is for you to remember and carry on over the years, I don’t need a poppy to remind me about the loss and sacrifices that others made for us to enjoy democracy – I was there along with your Uncle and your Grandfather”
I didn’t get much of the ceremony – but enjoyed the hot chocolate after. And every year without fail – no matter where I was in the world I always remembered on that day. You see this is that same poppy that was given to me on that day. I took his word about not losing it to heart. It became a remembrance of more than just the strangers that gave their life for the democracy that so many take for granted today, it also became a tangible link to the man who believed in the values that made for honorable men.
This old poppy has seen a lot of the world, its’ early days were spent mostly in the back folds of my Bible – so being the typical boy that I was – it was a pretty safe place as The Book didn’t get visited all that often. When I left home the poppy ended up in the “secret” compartment of a series of shaving kits – so no matter where I was in the world it was always there. It has seen many places in Canada as my home country as well as the USA, Europe, South America, and Australia. In each and every place it was accepted at face value – although it has raised the occasional question or two. Which of course is a perfect ice breaker to begin a conversation with someone else.
After telling the story to the lady today she was almost in tears and was most apologetic. But apologies are not what I am about. We all remember in our own way – and that is how it should be. As to being a Cheap Buqqer I assured her that I bought more than my share of them every year. Usually when I am with someone who doesn’t have one I will simply drop some coin into the box and pin it on the other person. So far this year I have done it 3 times.
The process of educating the young is one that is a very difficult thing to do. My father was a good man, but like most who came back from the war he had lost something along the way. Before he left he had looked seriously at becoming involved in the church. When he came back, he never set foot inside one other than for weddings, baptisms, and funerals. To his dying moments he refused last rites and left no doubt that he didn’t want anyone other than the Salvation Army to conduct his memorial service. What he and so many others lost and are still losing must be huge to make that kind of transformation.
So this year I will be on the road again, at 10:00 I will find the nearest town, locate the Cenotaph and at 11:00 I will pay my respects to those who did not come back, and to those who did comeback as a damaged human being. Somewhere between Vancouver B.C. and Prince George B.C. I will have my minute of silence to remember the sacrifices and trauma of so many, and of one in particular. At the end of the day this old poppy will once again reside in the secret compartment of my shaving kit and will sit and wait for another year to pass before seeing the light of day again.
If you have a special story about The Poppy please share it so we can all have a moment.
In Remembrance
Truc
By: Proctor VH-AHY - 12th November 2008 at 05:28
Its good to remember what happened, all those brave men and women ,who for what ever reason, went off and fought and in some cases died.
It is equally valid to consider why they did it – what were the reasons.
I often look it from the other side, in WW1 were the german little people, the lowly ranked solders, sailors and airmen evil as was painted by the powers that be.
One of the rules in war is to paint the opposition forces and their supporters as demons. That way hate becomes the motivating force – the “Dreaded HUN”
I think we owe it to the memory of the little people to look at all sides of the arguement, we respect these little people for the positive thinks they did. We do not have to respect or honour leaders and those in power who did things for reasons that were less than honourable.
cheers
By: AndyG - 12th November 2008 at 00:06
Dear Andy,
I’ve hesitated to try and find the right words to respond, without meaning to cause offence.
Hi James,
No offence taken. I think you may have taken my lighter anecdote out of context, or perhaps I failed to explain.
They just happened to be Australian friends, good and trusted friends and global citizens.
They could have been anyone. The point was that occasionally through forgetfulness or what ever, we all could have a temporary lapse. A gentle nudge focused the minds.
My Grandfather (75 NZ Squadron) still lies entombed within the boundary of Ostende airport to this day within his Wellington along with his British and NZ crew.
Regards
Andy
By: T-21 - 11th November 2008 at 14:53
I don’t attend Remembrance parades but I like many others don’t forget. Not a day goes by without me reading a book on the RAF Bomber Command,USAAF Eighth Air Force from my study,so at least they are remembered.
By: The Blue Max - 11th November 2008 at 14:13
This very morning i went to my sons school, at 11.00 they held there very own rememberance service. They had asked as many parents to attend as was possible and i felt it my duty to spare the time and go along.
I was pleased to learn that all last week they had being taught what today is all about and what the poppy means, many of the children, ranging from 5 to 12, did readings and one read out the poppy poem.
The only sad thing i noted was my son who is five was the only child wearing a poppy.
As his teacher who is a trumpet player played the last post beutifully all the children stood there in total silence and without moving a muscle.
A very moving moment, a credit to them and the school.:)
By: JDK - 11th November 2008 at 13:17
Kevin, as you know, I don’t disagree.
And yes, thanks to Truc for a great tale.
By: kev35 - 11th November 2008 at 12:54
James.
I don’t think it can be about the rights and wrongs of conflict. At least it isn’t for me. It’s about remembering the people, both collectively and individually, those who died in war and those that have died since and, in lesser numbers, those that live on today.
The poppy is, and will remain, a symbol of Remembrance. I wear a small enamelled poppy emblem on my coat throughout the year. It’s just one of my ways of remembering and for me it is the right thing to do. On a personal level I remember the three men I am proud to call Grandfather, all of whom were wounded in the Great War and all of whom survived thankfully. I remember my Fiance’s Great Grandfather and his Brother who remain in the ‘Green Fields of France’ for eternity. I remember Mr. French who used to sit on the step at the bottom of the Street in the 60’s and early 70’s, a spitting image of Alf Garnett, but a gentle soul who wore the ribbons of Squeak and Wilfrid on his waistcoat long before I had any understanding. I remember the people I and others have researched through fora such as this, the Australians of the RFC I visited at Tilstock, and the New Zealanders who came halfway across the world to die of the flu in Cannock. I think of a friend of mine from schooldays whose life has been somewhat shattered by his experiences in Northern Ireland and I think of those in service and in harm’s way today.
I remember ANZAC Day and every April I visit the New Zealanders in Cannock. A naive and simple view from a naive and simple man, but Remembrance is simply that, the remembering of those who served, not the political ideal behind each conflict. That, is for another time and place.
Truculent AME.
Thank you so much for sharing that story. It certainly bought a tear to my eye too.
Regards,
kev35
By: JDK - 11th November 2008 at 10:34
About this time ten years ago two Australian friends of mine…
…”Excuse me sir, do you speak German?” My friend carried on a few steps then turned back to the voice and replied, “No, why?”
“Well you nearly did….”, then proceeded to rattle his tin at them.
Point made, lesson learned.
Dear Andy,
I’ve hesitated to try and find the right words to respond, without meaning to cause offence. How familiar are you with Anzac Day?
There are too many corners of foreign fields which are forever Australia, but the continent of Australia (as opposed to democracy) has been defended from invasion twice, once unsuccessfully, once, thanks to American aid, successfully. The risk of German invasion or domination has remained at zero.
Australia is probably one of the most friendly, yet belligerent nations on earth, having been fighting someone, somewhere, almost non-stop since before its nationhood, and defending itself in that period only once. We seem to have been somewhat prone to turning up for other people’s wars, and while defending liberty is to be applauded, as ProctorVH-AHY’s touched on, I don’t think the ticket bought was what was paid for. I don’t think that’s a record to be proud of, even while I work towards ensuring help for veterans and as a writer trying to ensure we don’t forget. There is something downright odd about the memorials in almost every Australian town for the boys who died in a land they’d never otherwise have seen, almost always against a nation that was no threat to their homeland. I’ve paid my respects and wondered at the similar memorials in Canada and New Zealand as well.
There was recently a proposal to commemorate a ‘Battle of Australia Day’, which was regarded by many as a bit much. Remembrance Day is generally observed throughout Australia and New Zealand, but comes second in recognition, understandably, to Anzac day, not normally observed in the UK. I think most Australians are well aware of the sacrifices made, with two days dedicated to that memory, and today’s lead news item being on the memorials.
I don’t usually talk about what I do, but today I think merits an exception. I didn’t wear a poppy today. Instead, when observing the minutes silence, with my volunteer colleagues, I was in the hold of an RAAF Hercules midway though leading a school tour of the RAAF Museum.
I hope you can understand my response regarding your ‘point made, lesson learned’ response, Andy, and take it in the constructive spirit which it is offered.
Moving on, this link is rather tough, but IMHO, important reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties
It remains ‘a bloody stupid way of settling an argument’ and we don’t seem to be any smarter at winning the peace.
Regards,
By: WP840 - 11th November 2008 at 09:12
No disrespect to the men who served in WW1, however I really wonder what they struggled for. Its easy to go along with “they did it for King and Country” but I can’t but wonder if its as simple as that.
With the benefit of hindsight it seems like a power struggle between Brittian and Germany. A power struggle not between the little men (The Diggers) but between the industralists and it seems to me that the little men paid a huge price.
Further it seems like the powers-that-were after WW1 laid the seeds to WW2.
I remember with pride the gallant efforts of the little men, I remember with distain the industralists in whose interests WW1 was fought.For me, its not enough to know “what was done” I also want to know “Why it was done”
Interested to hear other peoples thoughts
cheers
I was watching a video only minutes ago and it talks about the build up to WW2 being caused by Germanys dire financial position caused by WW1. Adolf Hitler decided the best way to bring money into the German economy to pay off these debts was to expand into other countries and use theirs!
By: Proctor VH-AHY - 11th November 2008 at 04:05
No disrespect to the men who served in WW1, however I really wonder what they struggled for. Its easy to go along with “they did it for King and Country” but I can’t but wonder if its as simple as that.
With the benefit of hindsight it seems like a power struggle between Brittian and Germany. A power struggle not between the little men (The Diggers) but between the industralists and it seems to me that the little men paid a huge price.
Further it seems like the powers-that-were after WW1 laid the seeds to WW2.
I remember with pride the gallant efforts of the little men, I remember with distain the industralists in whose interests WW1 was fought.
For me, its not enough to know “what was done” I also want to know “Why it was done”
Interested to hear other peoples thoughts
cheers
By: AndyG - 10th November 2008 at 21:44
About this time ten years ago two Australian friends of mine took a trip from Aberdeen down to the lake district for a good old weekend Australian adventure.
In the afternoon they were walking along the high street of a small town whose name escapes me now with their other friends. They walked past a silent old poppy seller on the street hardly glancing at him. Once they had past him a voice rang out from behind. “Excuse me sir, do you speak German?” My friend carried on a few steps then turned back to the voice and replied, “No, why?”
“Well you nearly did….”, then proceeded to rattle his tin at them.
Point made, lesson learned.
They all returned to him and did their duty, somewhat embarrassed though wiser.
By: Pendeen - 10th November 2008 at 21:07
Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes too.
This is the first year of my girls having a “proper” poppy thanks to the new owner of our local ‘Brit store.’ I will be sharing your story with them.
Jane
By: Quinny - 10th November 2008 at 15:34
Simply stunning.
Brought tears to my eyes.
Ken.
By: trumper - 10th November 2008 at 12:40
:)a lovely personal story thanks 🙂
By: Joglo - 10th November 2008 at 10:23
Truc, having wiped away the tears after reading your touching post, I sadly have no story to tell, other than once again repeating that I don’t wait for Nov 11th to remember the needles death and suffering that wars cause.
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November 10, 2008 at 4:39 am