When I wrote my reflection on the recent Remembrance Day controversy in the UK, I began by confessing that I have never worn the commemorative poppy. I have, however, always doubted my disavowal of this symbol and wondered if my rejection was, regardless of its genuine pacifism, ultimately disrespectful to those who had sacrificed their lives for their country. I am truly relieved to find Joe Glenton, a British veteran expressing views that are consonant with my own less experienced ruminations. Glenton underscores his withering criticism of both the fascistic posturings of the contemporary British establishment and the inherent hypocrisy of the celebration. He quotes Harry Patch who was the last survivor of the trenches of the First World War, “War is a calculated and a condoned slaughter of human beings. War has no use to anyone” and further, that “remembrance was nothing more than show business.” For anyone new to this insight who is open to its heartfelt pacificism, Remembrance Day will never be the same again.
Image: modified from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMw15R_eR9I&ab_channel=DoubleDownNews
The Koboi Project 
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