White peace poppies join red poppies in library

White so-called ‘peace poppies’ are being offered at Tavistock Library for the first time, to indicate opposition to war and honour all victims of war.

Local peace campaigners have gained permission for the white poppies to make their debut alongside the traditional Royal British Legion red poppies which recognises the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces. The poppy appeal raises funds to support all serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The white poppies are provided by Tavistock Peace Action Group (TPAG), through distributors Peace Pledge Union.

The Peace Pledge Union encourages people to remember ‘all victims’ of war and of all nationalities, both civilian and military. The group ‘challenges war and militarism’ and asks people to wear a white poppy ‘for peace’. It promotes non-violence and educates on peace.

Val Sharpe, of TPAG,said: “The Peace Pledge Union philosophy chimes exactly with the position of TPAG.

“It is important to remember ALL victims of war, not just the armed forces. With increased technology in arms and warfare - AI, drone - the civilian cost of war is far higher than the military.

“The library thought it was important for both to be available, for the public to realise there is an alternative.”

TPAG is not expecting anyone to pay for the white poppies.

Displaying white poppies is a ‘community service’ by Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs the library, and does not indicate any staff preference for one colour of poppy over another. Tavistock Library has historically always provided a place for people to donate for a red poppy and there was no reason not to display white poppies.

Lee Spencer, a veteran Royal Marine with 24 years’ service, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, said few could dispute the philosophy behind the white poppies. But he questioned why the peace poppies were being offered at the same time as the red poppies.

He also suggested the right to choose white or red poppies, was a freedom only possible due to the sacrifice through conflict.

He said: “According to the Peace Pledge Union, the white poppy represents remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace, and a challenge to the glamorisation of war. And who in their right mind could disagree with that?

“Except, there are 364 days in the year that people who support the Peace Pledge Union could wear their white poppies so why pick Remembrance Day? It’s obviously a direct challenge to the (red) poppy and the Poppy Appeal.

“People who choose to wear a white instead of the red poppy aren’t doing it to promote peace, they are making a statement they do not support the poppy. And that is absolutely fine with me.”

He said red poppies did not glorify war, but the opposite. They remembered those lost, who chose to serve their communities and their country and were killed: “Their lives were lost, their families devastated by that loss. It is a reminder to us all of the devastating consequences of war.

“I served as part of a contract with society. We collectively choose those that lead us and occasionally they call on us in the Armed Forces to go to war. We accept that calling to serve on society’s behalf without question. Whether we agree with politicians or not, we serve the society that chose them.”

He lost close friends and comrades in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts: “Their families carry the burden of loss for the rest of their lives. My friends paid the ultimate price on behalf of society they chose to serve. Some argue they paid with their lives so we have the freedom to choose what colour poppy we wear.”

He urged that anyone wearing a white poppy on Remembrance Day: “Please at least acknowledge my friends, ‘Big Dee’ Mulverhill, ‘Darbs’ Darbishire and the countless others who sacrificed everything they had, so you can have that choice.”