A Nice Gesture

[Duncer]

I can understand why many nationalists wouldn't want to wear one, but this is a positive step forward, in my opinion.

http://www.belfasttel...a-poppy-16235276.html

[Nibble]

Try pointing them to 10th (Irish) division, all came from what is now the republic, they "could" commemorate the fallen of that division. If it suits them..

http://en.wikipedia.o...10th_(Irish)_Division

[Duncer]

That's why I said that this was a positive step. Northern Ireland is so polarised that many, (on both sides), know nothing about their history, beyond the bigotry and hatred. Many nationalists from Belfast, and all over Norn Iron, fought at the Somme.

[Nibble]

And, as I noted in the establishment of 29th & 30th Brigades, all ranks were raised in the south. It'd be interesting to know how many of the current generation actually know of them, and what they achieved.

[pdq1]

Its a reflection on our society that wearing the poppy is acceptance of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers who fought in WWi and WWII and their families are now a rarity.

[woofgang]

Its a pity that the symbol commemorating the dead in all wars has become polarised and I am glad to see a step towards the depoliticisation of the poppy.

[woofgang]

I don't see it as any kind of acceptance. It commemorates soldiers who died in wars tout court.

[sandyRoe]

There were lots of men from the Free State traveled to join the UK forces during WW11, as well.
But the question of wearing a poppy is a different matter. While it would be safe to do so in Holywood or Bangor, where I live it could still get you a busted lip.

[Psybbo]

I've always bought a poppy, and don't care who knows it

[askyourgran]

[i] Soldiers who fought in WWi and WWII and their families are now a rarity.

pdq Get real, My dear old dad fought in WW1 and I am not a rarity nor is the rest of my famiy. Back to your history books.

[askyourgran]

For WWi read WWII I'm not that old.^^^ The poppies originate from WW1 and all wars since then, there were quite a few wars that you probably never heard of before Afghanistan pdq.

[Duncer]

But the question of wearing a poppy is a different matter. While it would be safe to do so in Holywood or Bangor, where I live it could still get you a busted lip.


Sandy Row is perfectly safe.

[pdq1]

Askyourgran nothing to do with history books...WWI started 1914...WWII in 1940. We're talking about those in their 90's and older.