We will remember them

I always look forward to Remembrance Sunday, not least because it means that I am guaranteed to have a full Church that day. I believe that it is so important to remember all those who served in the armed forces of our nation in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, and also those who died in the 'troubles' of this province. People who are not normally churchgoers, come to Church on Remembrance Sunday because something inside them is stirred, when they think of the sacrifice of men and women of the armed forces in fighting our common enemy in defence of peace and justice and freedom. There is a deep spiritual dimension to their remembrance which is not sated by simply watching the grand remembrance ceremony at the Albert Hall or the London Cenotaph ceremony. Something draws them to Church to do something tangible in remembrance of those who gave their lives for their country. Something draws them to pray, to give thanks,to sing praises. On that day they want the traditions of the Church, rather than some twee, dumbed down parody of liturgy. They want ritual, solemnity, respect. That's why our church was full to capacity last Sunday morning. One of the things I notice every year is that, akin to the Christmas celebrations, the poppies come out weeks beforehand. The television presenters on the main channels, and their interviewees and guests, are almost compelled to wear the poppy as an example to the nation to show their gratitude to the veterans financially by purchasing a poppy in support of he Royal British Legion. While it may be a good thing to encourage the nation to remember and be grateful, we have to remember also the need to afford the nation the same freedom that was won for us at such a cost. I also notice an increase of what I would call 'poppy nazi-ism'. Some of our politicians and other community leaders seems to spend an inordinate amount of time criticising others for choosing not to wear a poppy. Surely the veterans fought for freedom and that includes freedom to wear a poppy or not to. Choosing not to wear a poppy should not automatically be interpreted as disrespect, but I'm afraid that some of our community leaders wish to interpret it as so and bring in the sectarian card. Personally I only wear a poppy on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday. That's my choice, and just because I do not wear it at any other times doesn't mean that I am being disrespectful. I wear my poppy with pride and in remembrance and respect of those who died, at times of my choosing. If others want to wear their poppy at all times, everywhere, that's ok with me too. I also refuse to wear a poppy on my liturgical robes. That has caused a few arguments with a few individuals, but I still exercise my right and follow my belief that no symbol of any kind should be worn on liturgical robes. As a compromise in the past couple of years, I have carried a little poppy cross in procession. This year I noticed that one of my parishioners, who had been in the Navy, did not wear a poppy, and when asked about this by myself, simply said that he was exercising his freedom. I have no doubt that he remembered his colleagues, who had fought alongside him in WW2, for I saw the tears welling in his eyes during the Act of Remembrance. This man fought against Nazi-ism. Let's honour him and the others by ensuring that Nazi-ism does not creep into our society at Remembrance time.