New push to change traditional Remembrance Day sparks debate across Britain
Peace group suggests major changes to Remembrance Day ceremonies‚ focusing on colonial history. Traditional supporters defend current format while some local councils start adopting new approach
The Peace Pledge Union has started a new-wave campaign to modify how Britain marks its Remembrance Day‚ suggesting that current events dont properly address colonial history
In the lead-up to this years ceremonies (which start this weekend) the group wants to include stories about colonial-era events — like the Amritsar incident and Mau-Mau conflict: these stories they say need more attention
Colonel Richard Kemp — ex-commander of British Forces in Afghanistan believes this is wrong timing. “People should make their statements about colonial history on different days; not when we honor those who died for our freedoms‚“ he points-out
The red poppy campaign (run by Royal British Legion) has set a super-ambitious target of £53.1m this year; last year they collected about £49m. Around 2‚500 volunteers are working at train-stations across London to sell poppies
Some local areas are already making changes to their events:
- Haringey Council will use white poppies first time
- Sale Town Hall continues second-year running
- Leicester ceremonies include both types
- Aberystwyth joined the new format
When we still see politicians openly celebrating the British Empire‚ its vital that we remember the impacts that colonial wars and violence have had
The white poppy movement (started back in 1933) represents all war victims — both military and civilian from every nation‚ while traditional red ones focus on British and allied forces personnel
James Cartlidge‚ shadow defence secretary‚ thinks the suggested changes would harm the events main purpose: “The festival exists to remember those who made ultimate sacrifice defending freedom-loving nations“
