The Power of Social Media – The Poppy and Remembrance Etiquette

There is no questioning the power of social media.  I myself, read a charming post about a young lady who was stopped by a military man who selling poppies.

The gentleman is said to have asked if he could reposition the poppy as he said a woman should wear a poppy on their right side, and the leaf of the poppy should point in the direction of 11 o’clock, representing the end of the Great War.

He is said to describe what the colours symbolise and was concerned that the younger generation wouldn’t understand this meaning.

It’s a truly thought provoking piece, and it is plausible as all aspects tie in beautifully with the essence of Remembrance Day, but is there any truth to the tale?  Being an inquisitive sole, I had to investigate.

A quick internet search revealed a statement from the Royal British Legion reading:

“There is no right or wrong way to wear a poppy.  It is a matter of personal choice whether an individual chooses to wear a poppy and also how they choose to wear it.  The best way wear a poppy, is to wear it with pride”

So, there is no indication that the etiquette is correct, but there is great merit to the story as it has brought extra attention to Remembrance Day and the importance it holds.

Lest we forget.

 

 

Photo by Mark Caven