Worthing councillors to debate people’s right to choose how they mark Remembrance
Worthing Borough Council is to debate a motion supporting people’s right to choose how they mark Remembrance, including wearing different coloured poppies.
The motion, proposed by councillor Hilary Schan and seconded by councillor Debbie Woudman, is due to be considered at a full council meeting on October 20.
It asks the council to affirm people’s right to wear a red or different coloured poppy, both or none, without judgement.
The motion also recognises the impact of war on people living in Worthing today, including refugees and people seeking sanctuary who have experienced conflict and displacement.
Different coloured poppies are worn by some people and organisations to reflect other aspects of Remembrance. The motion does not seek to replace the traditional red poppy, but to maintain people’s right to choose how they honour those affected by war.
The red poppy commemorates those who have lost their lives in conflict, while the purple poppy honours animals killed or injured in war. The black poppy recognises the contributions of Black, African or Caribbean communities to the war effort, while the white poppy promotes remembrance of all victims of war and a commitment to peace.
Cllr Schan said: “Remembrance is most powerful when it brings communities together around a shared recognition of the cost of war and a hope for peace. As the granddaughter of a Canadian veteran injured at Dieppe, I value the opportunity to honour those who served, sacrificed and suffered in conflict.”
“Sadly, this suffering is not consigned to the past and there are people in Worthing today who have direct experience of conflict and displacement, including refugees and those seeking sanctuary here.”
“I hope this motion reaffirms the welcoming and inclusive community that Worthing strives to be, honouring the sacrifices of the past while recognising the continuing impact of war today.”
“Most importantly, it invites people from across our community to participate in our civic remembrance and unite in our shared commitment to peace.”
The Royal British Legion (RBL) says it respects people’s right to decide how they mark Remembrance, while maintaining that the red poppy remains its official symbol.
The legion does not oppose people wearing or laying different coloured poppies but encourages people to wear the red poppy alongside alternative colours as a mark of respect for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Chairman of the Worthing branch Merlin Jones said: “The Royal British Legion respects an individual’s choice to wear or lay a different coloured poppy but maintains that the red poppy is the UK’s universal symbol of Remembrance.”
“The Legion encourages the red poppy to be worn or displayed alongside any alternative poppy and welcomes respectful participation in Remembrance by all communities.
“Remembrance should remain respectful, inclusive and non-partisan”.
The motion also calls on the council to promote peace, conversation, cooperation and human rights, and to welcome people affected by conflict and displacement in Worthing to take part in Remembrance.