Madam, – Each year at this time Irish society is forced to endure sterile and divisive controversy concerning Armistice Day, poppy wearing, and the commemoration of the thousands of Irish who died serving with British forces during the first World War.
Sheila Garrity (November 3rd) outlines her own reason for wearing the poppy and one should respect that. But Ms Garrity, as a Canadian, is perhaps unaware of the symbolism of the poppy here in Ireland which has a political subtext, functioning not just as a symbol of Remembrance but as a veiled propagandist attack on separatist Irish nationhood.
I wonder just how many of those in Ireland, apart from Ms Garrity, who wear the poppy to honour those who gave their lives fighting for the rights of small nations in the the first World War, will wear an Easter lily to honour those who gave their lives fighting for the rights of this small nation at the same time?
Ms Garrity may be unaware that public ceremonies are held in Ireland to honour those who went away to fight in the first World War and never returned.
One Sunday in July each year is set aside as the National Day of Commemoration whereby Ireland commemorates, with respect and dignity, all Irish who died in both world wars and on service with the United Nations. These ceremonies are attended by the president, taoiseach and the leaders of all the main churches and is both appropriate and dignified. Unfortunately this ceremony, which is devoid of the military jingoism associated with similar commemorations in the North and Britain, does not satisfy everyone as there continues to be a demand for the full participation of the Irish State in the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies of the Royal British Legion.
It is unfortunate that the sacrifice of these brave men and women has been used for many years as an emotional and dishonest basis for propaganda purposes by those who resented the emergence of an independent Irish nation.
I take the view that some of those who wear the poppy do so to antagonise the living more so than to honour the dead. I do not of course include Ms Garrity in that category, as her reasons for wearing the poppy are noble, dignified and honourable. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Could we have a new poppy which would emphasise our heartfelt desire for peace, while continuing to honour the dead? A poppy of red and white would be a graceful symbol, without too much political baggage. – Yours, etc,