Sorry Danny but I totally disagree with you. First of all it is not piggy backing on the back of Remembrance Day, for a start to wear a purple poppy you have to order it, it is not sold alongside red poppies in shops. Therefore it is not distracting from what the red poppy symbolises. Animals are and were an integral part of war, look at the many statues depicting the war fallen, how many have horses in them? And how many men and women owe their lives to the dogs that have sniffed out explosives? Have dogs not been awarded medals for bravery? The one comment I do agree with you on is the fact they do not go out of a sense of duty, no they don't, they are taken to war but not only do they provide a kinship to their handlers in many cases their handlers owe their lives to the dogs.Nothing can distract from what the Royal British Legion does for our war heroes, but equally why should the animals that have also played a part not be remembered by those who choose to do so. I will be wearing my red poppy with pride to commemorate our servicemen and women, but I will also be wearing my purple poppy to show that the animals lost for our country too need to be remembered and what better date to remember them then 11th November, the day we should remember all who have given thier lives for our country.
Carol Burge ● 4945d