Today the Sunday National has made a small change to its front page.
Instead of sporting a red poppy, we have this year opted to feature a white one to mark Remembrance Day.
We understand that some people may be confused, or perhaps angry, that we have moved away from the traditional symbol of Remembrance.
However, we have made this decision because we believe the meaning of the red poppy has been diluted and co-opted by those who seek to dilute or change what it represents for political purposes.
The party leaders and MPs who proudly display red poppies on their lapels while continuing to approve arms exports to Israel – despite mountains of evidence of war crimes being committed against the people of Palestine, the thousands of civilians killed and left in humanitarian crisis – make it impossible for us to feel comfortable using this symbol.
The politicians who wear them after continuing to meet with figureheads from extremist governments, and shake hands with lobbyists from the defence companies profiting from endless killing, mean we cannot follow along in good conscience.
READ MORE: White remembrance poppies see spike in popularity 'due to war in Gaza'
The poppy is supposed to commemorate those lost and push us to reflect on the horrors of wartime.
The white poppy was first sold by the Co-operate Women’s Guild in 1933, and later taken on by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU). The flower represents Remembrance for all victims of war, challenging militarism and commitment to peace.
It is also important to note that the white poppy remembers people of all nationalities who have died in war, and includes both civilians and members of the Armed Forces.
“We want to remember British military dead, but they are not the only victims of war,” the PPU states. “We also remember the many civilians who have died or suffered in war, both in the past and today, in Ukraine, Yemen and many other places around the world. Suffering does not stop at national borders, and nor should Remembrance.”
We chose the white poppy this year as what we see as a true symbol of peace and Remembrance for all who have died in conflict, plus those who continue to face the appalling consequences of war.
We chose the white poppy to take a stand against endless war around the world.
READ MORE: Why are some MPs wearing white poppies at PMQs?
To those who may find this move disrespectful, we point out that countless veterans have decided to move towards the white poppy.
The late Harry Leslie Smith – who served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War – stopped wearing red poppies in 2013, concerned that the “solemnity of Remembrance” had been turned into a “justification for our most recent armed conflicts”.
If you wish to wear a white poppy this year, you can purchase them via Scottish CND or the Peace Pledge Union.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel