Campaigners are calling for a “decolonised” Remembrance Day, advocating for an end to what they describe as “nationalist narratives” that “whitewash” or “glorify” the British Empire.
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU), which distributes white poppies, argues that traditional Remembrance events often “gloss over” the violence and impact of colonialism. The PPU believes that Remembrance Sunday should also reflect on the “human cost of colonial conflicts” like the Amritsar massacre in India and the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, both of which occurred under British colonial rule.
Launching a campaign to “decolonise” Remembrance Sunday, the PPU stated, “To honor victims of colonial wars, we must challenge nationalist narratives that overlook or celebrate colonialism. We also need to address the enduring effects of colonialism, which influence whose stories are remembered and whose are marginalized.”
The PPU’s campaign launched this week, just ahead of the weekend’s Remembrance events. These will include the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, the King will lead his first Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in London since his cancer diagnosis.
Not everyone supports the PPU’s approach. Colonel Richard Kemp, former British Forces commander in Afghanistan, criticized the PPU’s campaign as a “hijack” of Remembrance Sunday. He suggested that the PPU hold a separate day of remembrance for those affected by British colonialism, rather than altering an event dedicated to those who fought “to give us the freedoms we have today.” Kemp also noted that thousands of people from British colonies served willingly in the First and Second World Wars, with their sacrifices commemorated alongside British personnel on Remembrance Sunday.
Kemp further argued that funds raised from white poppy sales support political causes rather than aiding wounded servicemen and their families, as the red poppy does.
Meanwhile, London Poppy Day kicked off on Thursday as part of the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal, with about 2,500 volunteers collecting donations across the city. Last year’s Poppy Appeal raised £49.2 million to support Armed Forces members, and this year’s goal is £53.1 million.
James Cartlidge, Shadow Defence Secretary, expressed pride in wearing the red poppy, which he sees as a symbol of honoring those who “paid the ultimate sacrifice” for freedom. He warned that efforts to “decolonise” Remembrance Day could “undermine that message,” adding that support for the poppy appeal and traditional observances is especially important as the war in Ukraine underscores the need for readiness to defend peace.
Since 1933, white poppies have represented remembrance for all victims of war, both civilian and military, regardless of nationality, as well as a commitment to peace and opposition to militarism. This contrasts with red poppies, which were introduced to honor British and allied Armed Forces personnel specifically.
Geoff Tibbs, the PPU’s Remembrance Project Manager, emphasized the importance of remembering colonial histories on Remembrance Day. “When we still see politicians celebrating the British Empire, we must also remember the impacts of colonial violence worldwide. This means valuing the experiences of those affected and addressing the ongoing legacies of colonialism that shape whose lives are commemorated.”
This year, several Remembrance events across the UK are incorporating white poppies. Haringey Council’s ceremony will feature a white poppy wreath for the first time, with the support of the Mayor’s Office. White poppies will also appear in events at Sale Town Hall in South Manchester, Leicester, and Aberystwyth.
The inclusion of white poppies in Remembrance Day ceremonies reflects a growing movement to broaden the narrative of remembrance. For supporters, integrating symbols like the white poppy offers a way to acknowledge not only military sacrifice but also the wider impacts of conflict, particularly those affecting civilians in colonized regions. Proponents argue that by addressing the colonial aspects of British history, Remembrance Day can evolve into a more inclusive commemoration that respects the complex and sometimes painful legacies left by imperial conflicts.
However, this shift has sparked debate about the purpose and meaning of Remembrance Day. Traditionalists, like Colonel Kemp, contend that the day should remain focused on honoring those who served and sacrificed specifically for Britain and its allies, rather than introducing broader historical critiques. They worry that changing the focus could dilute the solemnity of the day and shift attention away from those who fought directly in British military service.
On the other hand, advocates for “decolonising” Remembrance Day see it as an opportunity to build a more honest and comprehensive understanding of history. For them, acknowledging the stories of colonial subjects who suffered or died in imperial conflicts does not diminish the sacrifices of British soldiers; rather, it complements it, providing a fuller picture of the human cost of war. The PPU and similar groups argue that remembrance should be about reflecting on the broad consequences of conflict, which includes recognizing the oppression and suffering experienced by people in colonized regions under British rule.
The debate over white and red poppies has grown more visible in recent years, with each side seeing different priorities in the act of remembrance. Red poppies, sold by the Royal British Legion, remain the most prominent symbol, particularly as millions of Britons wear them to honor veterans and raise funds for those currently in the Armed Forces. The Legion has emphasized that the red poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope, standing for peace while respecting the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Meanwhile, the PPU insists that the white poppy is not intended to replace the red one but to add a different perspective. By including white poppies, they hope to stimulate reflection on both military and civilian lives lost in conflicts, as well as to question the glorification of war and colonial legacy.
As white poppies appear at more local remembrance ceremonies, this debate may continue to shape how Remembrance Day is observed in the UK. Some councils and local organizations, like those in Haringey, Leicester, and Aberystwyth, have chosen to incorporate both poppies, aiming for a more inclusive approach that respects diverse viewpoints on how history should be remembered.
As the UK grapples with its colonial past, the discussion around Remembrance Day—and whether it should be expanded to reflect a wider historical narrative—may influence broader conversations about national identity, memory, and reconciliation with colonial history. For now, the inclusion of both red and white poppies at remembrance events demonstrates a commitment by some to remember all who suffered in conflicts, whether as soldiers or civilians, and to reconsider how remembrance can foster a deeper understanding of peace.
There are some who argue that recent efforts to “decolonise” Remembrance Day, alongside the promotion of alternative symbols like the white poppy, reflect a broader agenda that risks politicizing a solemn occasion and, they claim, may be influenced by agendas that aim to undermine British society. Critics suggest that certain activist groups promoting these changes are backed by foreign influence or ideological interests, including socialist agendas and organizations tied to governments with interests in destabilizing Western institutions.
According to some sources, these critics see campaigns for a “decolonised” Remembrance Day as a way to focus on British colonialism and shift the day’s purpose away from honoring military service and sacrifice, instead emphasizing historical grievances. This, they say, could be part of a larger ideological agenda that seeks to frame British history through a lens that primarily highlights oppression, thus potentially fostering division within British society. They argue that this focus is not necessarily about remembrance but rather about driving a political wedge, encouraging citizens to view Britain’s history with shame rather than pride.
Adding to this, some critics have also voiced concerns over the involvement of groups that focus on other geopolitical issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, using Remembrance Day as a platform to protest Western policies or to highlight foreign conflicts. These groups, critics contend, are using the occasion not to honor the day’s traditional meaning, but to draw attention to issues outside the scope of Britain’s military remembrance. They argue that by politicizing Remembrance Day in this way, these groups divert the day’s focus and risk alienating the public from a unifying tradition meant to honor sacrifice, rather than promote specific political agendas.
Those critical of these changes maintain that the white poppy movement and calls to “decolonise” Remembrance Day could be part of a broader push that includes, but is not limited to, socialist-leaning organizations, with some even alleging links to foreign influence from countries that would benefit from undermining Western unity. They worry that turning Remembrance Day into a platform for divisive narratives about colonialism and historical grievances could erode a sense of national solidarity and pride, especially if the day becomes primarily about historical criticism rather than honoring sacrifice and fostering unity.
While Remembrance Day has always included diverse voices and perspectives, those opposed to the proposed changes believe that the emphasis on Britain’s colonial history is an inappropriate focus for a day dedicated to those who served in its Armed Forces. They argue that if people wish to commemorate victims of colonialism or other historical issues, those remembrances should be kept separate from Remembrance Day so as not to overshadow the specific sacrifices made by British servicemen and servicewomen.
This debate reflects larger discussions around national identity, historical memory, and the appropriate ways to recognize complex histories while preserving traditions that honor military service. Critics insist that Remembrance Day should remain focused on commemorating British military sacrifice rather than becoming a stage for broader political messages that, they argue, risk dividing rather than uniting British society.
Why Do We Wear a Poppy on Remembrance Day?
Every year, in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth countries wear a small red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude. This tradition, deeply rooted in history, honors those who served and sacrificed in military conflicts, especially during the First and Second World Wars. But why exactly do we wear a poppy, and how did this small red flower become such an enduring symbol?
Origins of the Poppy as a Symbol of Remembrance
The story of the poppy’s connection to remembrance begins in the fields of Flanders, Belgium, during World War I. The war devastated landscapes across Europe, but poppies, with their resilient seeds that can lay dormant for years, began to bloom across battlefields. These bright red flowers, growing amid the devastation, became a striking symbol of life, resilience, and remembrance.
The association between the poppy and remembrance was popularized by the poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician and soldier. McCrae wrote the poem in memory of his fallen comrades, capturing the poignancy of these red flowers blooming on soldiers’ graves. The poem resonated deeply with people around the world, and the image of the red poppy growing amidst the horror of war became an enduring metaphor for remembrance.
The Poppy as a Memorial Tradition
Inspired by McCrae’s poem, Moina Michael, an American professor and humanitarian, proposed wearing a red poppy as a way to honor the fallen and remember their sacrifices. She started a campaign to promote the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, which soon spread internationally. By 1921, the poppy had been adopted by the Royal British Legion, a charitable organization supporting military veterans, as its official symbol of remembrance.
What the Poppy Represents
Today, the red poppy symbolizes several key ideas:
- Remembrance and Respect – First and foremost, the poppy represents remembrance for those who lost their lives in service to their country. It is a visual pledge to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, particularly in the World Wars and later conflicts.
- Resilience and Hope – Just as poppies bloom in disturbed soil, the poppy represents resilience and the hope that humanity can rebuild and recover after tragedy.
- Peace and Reconciliation – While the poppy honors sacrifice, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace. Wearing a poppy is a silent wish that such sacrifices will never be in vain and that future generations can learn from the past.
How the Poppy is Used Today
Each November, the Royal British Legion distributes millions of poppies, both to be worn and as wreaths for Remembrance Day ceremonies. Funds raised through the sale of poppies support veterans, active military members, and their families, helping with everything from medical needs to financial assistance. This charitable component adds a practical layer to the symbolism, as the poppy appeal becomes a way to directly give back to those who served.
In the UK, it is common to wear the red poppy on one’s lapel or clothing, leading up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day on November 11th. The nation observes a two-minute silence on this day, honoring the end of World War I and remembering those who served in all conflicts.
Red, White, and Purple: The Different Meanings of Poppies
While the red poppy remains the most recognized symbol, other colors of poppies have emerged over the years, each representing different perspectives on remembrance.
- White Poppy – Introduced in 1933 by the Peace Pledge Union, the white poppy stands for remembrance of all victims of war, including civilians, and expresses a commitment to peace and nonviolence. For some, it is a way to reflect on the human cost of war without the association with military action.
- Purple Poppy – This poppy commemorates animals that served in wartime, recognizing the horses, dogs, and other animals that aided in military efforts and suffered alongside soldiers.
Why People Continue to Wear the Poppy
The tradition of wearing a poppy has persisted for over a century because it serves as both a personal and public act of remembrance. Wearing a poppy offers a way for individuals to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations, acknowledge the costs of conflict, and participate in a shared ritual of national memory.
Despite occasional debates over its meaning, the poppy remains an enduring symbol of respect and gratitude. It reminds each generation of the values of courage, sacrifice, and peace, encouraging all to remember the past while working toward a peaceful future.
Wearing a poppy is a simple but powerful act that connects people across time, honoring those who served while carrying forward the hope that we can build a more peaceful world.
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