Since 1934 the Peace Pledge Union has been campaigning for a world without war. Today they challenge systems, practices and polices that fuel war and militarism and that contribute to the view that armed force is an effective agent of social change. The White Poppy campaign forms part of their work, and at this time of huge conflict in the world, there is not a more important moment to consider the meaning of the white poppy for us all.
The white poppy has been worn in the run-up to Remembrance Day for ninety years, as a symbol of remembrance and peace.
White poppies are worn every year by thousands of people across the UK and beyond. They were first produced in 1933 in the aftermath of the First World War, by members of the Co-operative Women’s Guild. Many of these women had lost family and friends in the First World War. They wanted to hold on to the key message of Remembrance Day, ‘never again’.
The white poppy stands for remembrance of all victims of war, challenging militarism and a commitment to peace.
Remembering all victims of war White poppies stand for remembrance of all victims of all wars. This includes wars still being fought. It includes people of all nationalities. It includes both civilians and members of armed forces.
Challenging war and militarism, as well as any attempt to glorify or celebrate war. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified. They remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today.
A commitment to peace and to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict. By drawing attention to the devastating human cost of war, white poppies highlight the urgency of our ongoing struggle for peace.
There are many ways to support the white poppy campaign – you can wear a white poppy, help spread the word, make a white poppy wreath and join a ceremony. To find out more on how to support the white poppy campaign see the link here
White poppies can be bought through the Peace Pledge Union online shop. You can also find them in many shops, cafes and other outlets across the UK.
The new white poppy design, released in 2022, has been developed in line with our nonviolent principles and our commitment to the environment. The new design is better for the environment. It is plastic-free, biodegradable and recyclable in household recycling along with paper and cardboard. Today, true to its roots, the new design is made by a workers’ co-operative in the UK.
There are many events and alternative Remembrance Ceremony’s taking place across UK in the coming weeks, including one in Edinburgh:
Join Peace & Justice for an alternative Remembrance Sunday event with poems, songs, and remembrance beside the handkerchief tree planted to remember Conscientious Objectors past and present in Princes Street Gardens.
The event starts at 1:30pm on Sunday 12 November at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Songs will be led by Protest in Harmony.
For more information follow the link here