We Will Remember Them

This morning I stood in the heavy rain at the cenotaph in Hull City Centre. Normally I, like many people, prefer to not get caught out in a torrential down pour. But today I didn't mind, because today is Remembrance Sunday. This day gives us a chance to reflect and give thanks to those who have paid a great sacrifice.

This day is symbolised by a flower that grew amongst the carnage of warfare almost a century ago. The poppy.

It saddens me that several teams in the Premier League did not wear poppies on their kits this weekend; it saddens me more that people defend them for it.

Manchester United are one of these teams who choose not to wear poppies on their kits, protesting that they do enough already, supporting armed forces charities, selling poppies at their grounds and that their staff wear poppies.

This leaves me wondering why make an issue out of an accepted tradition?

They say it is policy, but why have a policy which is so flagrantly disrespectful? Most people wear a poppy without questioning it. It is a mark of respect and is the least a person can do. It is a small and meaningful gesture

Some people in the media have said the whole debate about Premier League teams wearing poppies cheapens their meaning and also somehow brings dishonour on those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

My argument is that not wearing them for no good reason surely dishonours that memory more.

They should be setting an example, we have Remembrance Day for a reason and the ignorance of that reason among the youth of today is already staggering. We need these guys to stand up and be an example for young people to follow.

While this debate will rage on, I will finish this piece with a few words spoken at the Hull Cenotaph and at hundreds more around the country.

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them."

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