Two Separate Topics:
I write these two mini blogs with some trepidation since my intent will likely be misconstrued by some. I will do my best to try to avoid that.
First, the White Poppy with the Word ‘Peace’ in its Centre.
A big kerfuffle is making the rounds in regards to the Rideau Institute’s plan today to distribute White Poppies at the Ottawa Cenotaph.
I have little knowledge about this Institute but it appears to be a ‘left wing organization’ and if that is the case, they are likely using the White Poppy to promote peace at any cost which is a price freedom loving people are not prepared to pay.
Given that, one has to be most suspicious about buying in to their plan to distribute White Poppies. But that said, even if their intention was less than honourable it may be time to look at its possible use more closely.
Let’s look first at the Red Poppy.
An American Woman by the name of Moina Belle Michael is credited with the launch of the Red Poppy as early as November 9, 1918 – 2 days before the end of the First World War.
In doing this, she was inspired by Canada’s own – Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
The Poppy is the most propitious flower to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives so others may live in freedom …it’s seeds can lay dormant for years and years – and it blooms in great abundance, in Flanders, when the ground is disturbed, as it was between 1914 to 1918.
Originally it was a sign to commemorate those who lost their lives in war. Over time, it has extended to all those who served in the defence of freedom.
The White Poppy too has been around a long time – since 1933 and was first promoted by a pacifist group known as the Women’s Cooperative Guild.
But this has got me thinking – why not co-opted the White Poppy to our own purposes?
Indeed it seems to me that the White Poppy does not detract from the Red Poppy …indeed a case could be made that they complement one another.
Permit me to explain.
We would not have the peace we all enjoy today, had it not been for the sacrifice and service of our brave military – most of whom were volunteers from the cities, towns and villages across our great land.
So while the Red Poppy would continue to honour this sacrifice – as it most certainly should, the white poppy could help us rejoice in the freedom their sacrifice paid for (i.e. perhaps the Red Poppy does all of this on its own …thank you very much).
Maybe this then is a bit simplistic and if so I apologize.
But let me continue.
When I wear the Red Poppy and attend Remembrance Services, I find myself thinking exclusively about the sacrifice our men and women made. Perhaps this is due to the fact that many of my family served in Canada’s volunteer armies?
As a result, I know that I do not give enough thought about the Peace we enjoy today – the peace, as I have said, that has come about due to our military’s service.
The fact is, I have never had to volunteer to fight – as my father did – nor have my children – nor hopefully will their children.
The White Poppy with the word Peace in its centre, may help us all to focus on that.
So why do we fear the colour White – it is a symbol of purity?
And why do we fear the word Peace – it is after all what we all pray for?
And why do so many of us condemn the White Poppy out of hand as being disrespectful to our veterans.
I wish my father was alive today so I could ask him what he thought.
But maybe the time has come for two poppies – one to commemorate our veterans’ sacrifice and the other to give thanks for peace.
It seems to be all in a worthwhile cause.
Part 2 – Red China … to follow.
As I see it…
‘K.D. Galagher’
