Monument to conscientious objectors in Tavistock Square
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Remembrance Sunday at Westminster
Remembrance Sunday 2024 has sought to continue the annual tradition of commemorating those who lost their lives in previous and current conflicts. This year’s commemoration has, however, seen sales of the White Poppy blossom.
The White Poppy was first produced in 1933 by the Co-operative Women’s Guild. Ever since, it has been advertised as a token of the human struggle for peace. It represents both a symbol of remembrance and an aversion to future global conflict.
The White Poppy movement is associated with the Peace Pledge Movement (PPU), an organization that challenges mainstream views concerning remembrance. The PPU emphasized the importance of remembering all victims of conflict, both those serving and those civilians who were killed as well.
Peace shall not grow old
City News attended the White Poppy remembrance service at Tavistock Square, London to hear from prominent peace advocates and ask those present why they chose to attend. Public speakers included comedian and activist Katie Smurthwaite, who hosted the event.
However, a changing attitude to what war symbolizes and whether it is worth the sacrifice remains a controversial issue. According to a poll conducted by YouGov, those with a “fair amount of confidence” in military operations by the British armed forces overseas slumped to 43% in February 2023, down from 51% in August 2022.
Many young people have become more opposed to war following the current conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. We asked Jude, a History student at Goldsmith’s University, what remembrance meant to him. He responded by expressing that he felt disillusioned by current historical narratives that glorify conflict.
He said, “We need to reflect upon this rationally”.
“We’re here to remember sacrifice, and yet we’re perpetuating exactly the same ideas”.
Lilith, another student who attended the service, shared with City News that she was thinking about the sacrifice made by a family member who served in the Second World War. She also shared her thoughts on conflict, saying “We should be teaching young people peace”.
A view from Westminster
Carla Denyer MP
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central and Co-leader of the Green Party, was also in attendance at the White Poppy remembrance service, after attending the official remembrance service outside Downing Street.
City News asked her how important she thought it was that the White Poppy movement remained prominent today, she replied “I think it’s an important part of the remembrance tradition”. Denyer continued that “active choice” had to be made to truly be hopeful for peace following the election of Donald Trump to the White House.
When asked about why she thought the White Poppy had become more popular amongst the younger demographic, she said that the current conflict in the Middle East “must be a part of it”.
The national remembrance service was held in Westminster at 11:00. The White Poppy remembrance service took place in Tavistock Square at 12:00.
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HeadlineWhite Poppy sales bloom this November
Short HeadlineWhite Poppy sales rise this November
StandfirstWhite Poppy sales have been rising, paying respect to all victims of conflict
Remembrance Sunday at Westminster
Remembrance Sunday 2024 has sought to continue the annual tradition of commemorating those who lost their lives in previous and current conflicts. This year’s commemoration has, however, seen sales of the White Poppy blossom.
The White Poppy was first produced in 1933 by the Co-operative Women’s Guild. Ever since, it has been advertised as a token of the human struggle for peace. It represents both a symbol of remembrance and an aversion to future global conflict.
The White Poppy movement is associated with the Peace Pledge Movement (PPU), an organization that challenges mainstream views concerning remembrance. The PPU emphasized the importance of remembering all victims of conflict, both those serving and those civilians who were killed as well.
Peace shall not grow old
City News attended the White Poppy remembrance service at Tavistock Square, London to hear from prominent peace advocates and ask those present why they chose to attend. Public speakers included comedian and activist Katie Smurthwaite, who hosted the event.
However, a changing attitude to what war symbolizes and whether it is worth the sacrifice remains a controversial issue. According to a poll conducted by YouGov, those with a “fair amount of confidence” in military operations by the British armed forces overseas slumped to 43% in February 2023, down from 51% in August 2022.
Many young people have become more opposed to war following the current conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. We asked Jude, a History student at Goldsmith’s University, what remembrance meant to him. He responded by expressing that he felt disillusioned by current historical narratives that glorify conflict.
He said, “We need to reflect upon this rationally”.
“We’re here to remember sacrifice, and yet we’re perpetuating exactly the same ideas”.
Lilith, another student who attended the service, shared with City News that she was thinking about the sacrifice made by a family member who served in the Second World War. She also shared her thoughts on conflict, saying “We should be teaching young people peace”.
A view from Westminster
Carla Denyer MP
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central and Co-leader of the Green Party, was also in attendance at the White Poppy remembrance service, after attending the official remembrance service outside Downing Street.
City News asked her how important she thought it was that the White Poppy movement remained prominent today, she replied “I think it’s an important part of the remembrance tradition”. Denyer continued that “active choice” had to be made to truly be hopeful for peace following the election of Donald Trump to the White House.
When asked about why she thought the White Poppy had become more popular amongst the younger demographic, she said that the current conflict in the Middle East “must be a part of it”.
The national remembrance service was held in Westminster at 11:00. The White Poppy remembrance service took place in Tavistock Square at 12:00.
