LETTER: Laying of white poppies refused

In previous years we have been allowed to remember all the victims of war, and not just the service personnel.

I know that civilian casualties are now referred to as ‘collateral damage’, but for me, their deaths are as important as those of the military. They may well have volunteered to fight, whereas civilians have no choice.

I am aware that conscripts have no option, but neither do those whose homes are shelled, or who are killed as they flee. The evidence for both is very clear.

I shall continue to wear my red poppy, as my father, a member of the British Legion, taught me, to remember the tragedy of lost lives and maimed futures of the forces, but I will also wear the white poppy in the hope that we can find a better way to resolve differences than by indiscriminate killing.

In peace.

Lyn Pardo

By email