Let's Avoid Making the Humble Poppy a Far-Right Symbol
Neil Mackay expresses concern that the symbolic poppy has been co-opted by the far right, which is why he chooses not to wear it this year.
"The poppy has been hijacked by the far right – this is why I won’t wear it" (Neil Mackay, November 6).
Personal Connections to War
The author's father survived the Normandy landings. His grandfather was injured at Passchendaele by a shell and refused to let surgeons remove his legs. He was evacuated to several hospitals before returning to fight in all weather conditions at Passchendaele, fighting in his kilt. At his passing, he still carried a piece of shrapnel near his spine and had a hole in his buttock that a fist could enter.
Family Loss and War's Impact
Neil Mackay's mother's boyfriend was lost with all hands when HMS Kite was torpedoed in 1944, a loss that affected her profoundly. The author's father emphasized the importance of supporting the Earl Haig Fund and wearing the poppy to honor those who fought for our democracy.
Remembrance
The author recalls his father standing in silence each year on the eleventh day of the eleventh hour, with tears in his eyes, as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
Author's summary: The article highlights the personal and historical significance of the poppy and raises concerns about its association with far-right movements, advocating for respectful remembrance.