Every year, Armistice Day represents an opportunity to remember the sacrifice of those who fought to protect our freedom. I try to do so during the two minutes’ silence at 11 am, and again on Remembrance Sunday. I try not to think about the countless numbers of people lost in wars that had nothing to do with freedom or justice. Unfortunately, as that describes most wars, and especially the wars that have happened during and just before my lifetime, I find it very difficult.
I don’t wear a poppy for that reason, although I do sometimes donate to the Royal British Legion. I am more likely to wear a white poppy, although I am reticent to do so given the treatment sometimes meted out to wearers perceived as namby-pamby pacifists.
It doesn’t help, of course, when the Home Secretary takes it upon herself to ban legitimate protests against Armistice Day
and what it represents. I understand that the Metropolitan Police are planning to police the two minutes’ silence under the Public Order Act, too. This is a terrible reminder that governments can take away in a heartbeat what so many died to protect.
Finally, on this day, I always find it moving to listen to certain songs written about the memory of wars. Below I’ve linked to a couple of the most moving examples. I hope they will help you to think about what today means.
2 fragments:
In fairness, Muslims Against Crusades were banned because of their previous actions under a different name and because of the violent behaviour of their members - I read one news story where some MAC members chased some EDL protesters and stabbed them. Now, I don't in any way support the EDL but to me this ban seems fair.
If that's the reason for the ban, fair enough, but it hasn't been reported like that.
If it's more to do with what they were planning - i.e. very offensive but peaceful protest - then it's wrong.
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