In response to the changing meaning of the red poppy, Anthony Matthew argues that military pomp can hide the disaster of war, while Barbara Crowther describes a local memorial to all victimsThe Royal British Legion has modified the meaning of the red remembrance poppies to include “innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism” (Report, 16 October).
This broadening of the scope of remembrance still falls short of that represented by the white poppies distributed by the Peace Pledge Union, which covers all those who have died in armed conflict, whether military or civilian, whatever side they belonged to. Only that way can war be remembered as a disaster, not something to be celebrated with military pomp.