A chara, – I believe that the time is now right for an additional annual commemoration day to be held – a day to commemorate all those killed by British forces throughout the centuries including those killed in the current fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A new emblem, perhaps a symbolic black rose, could be worn by all with any funds raised allocated to appropriate charity groups. – Is mise,
EF FANNING,
Whitehall Road,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
Madam, – Reading recent comments, one in particular, from Bob Fairmichael (November 7th), prompted me to write. My grandfather joined the Irish Guards with the outbreak of the first World War, at 16 years of age, along with his 18-year-old brother. He never spoke of the war, but did mention once that he was in two bayonet charges in one night, and considered himself lucky to have survived. His brother did not – he died in the Royal Hospital in Donnybrook, from war wounds. I have always respected his duty and have worn a poppy (which wasn’t always easy to do), from the time I was a teenager. I am now mid-40s, and not many people my age are bothered to do so.
But many gave their tomorrow for our today. The meaning of the poppy is red for the blood that was spilt, black for the loss of life and green for new life. – Yours, etc,