Clinton Rogers: My views on Remembrance and the poppy debate

I’ve never understood the need for debate.

To me, it’s straightforward, a simple act of remembrance for those who gave their lives for our country in ALL wars and conflicts since 1914.

And in a county with a high military presence, that should have added significance.

Remember Afghanistan and the toll that took only a few years ago?

And yet I have been rather surprised this year by the number of people NOT wearing a poppy.

I’ll confess, this is anecdotal, not a scientific study.

And maybe I’ve just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Of course, it may be that people have been paying attention to the former Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has, rather publicly, been arguing that people wear their poppies too early in the year.

In his opinion, they should not be seen on lapels and overcoats until November 1.

It is, he argues, like putting Christmas decorations up in the summer.

Interesting point!

Or maybe more people are buying into the argument from some pacifists that wearing a poppy glorifies war.

Or that it is used for political propaganda to justify new conflicts.

Of course, no one should feel under pressure to wear a poppy.

And I know that does happen.

When I worked for the BBC, we were told every year WHEN was the correct time to wear a poppy.

We were not told we HAD to wear one, but I know presenters who were vilified on social media for refusing to display one on air.

I also think it’s an age thing.

A survey published by Ipsos in 2023 suggested that 65 per cent of Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) thought Remembrance Day was important, compared to 90 per cent of Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964).

Statistics supplied by the Royal British Legion make interesting reading, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Last year the Poppy Appeal raised an impressive £56.6m, significantly up on the COVID years.

But that isn’t just sales of poppies, paper or otherwise.

It includes online donations.

So, it is difficult to tell exactly how many physical poppies were sold.

And it’s well known that, like most charities, the Royal British Legion is struggling to recruit volunteers, especially younger people.

So perhaps fewer poppy sellers at supermarkets and on street corners.

And if people are supporting our veterans with online donations, does it really matter?

All I know is that I will be wearing my poppy, conspicuously.

It’s my choice.

I always have, and I always will.