by Roger Childs

“White Poppies For Peace” from the Peace Movement have been for years actively promoting peace education, and challenging young people to think. –Shirley Murray.

Lest we forget them all

Another Anzac Day occurs on Saturday.  There will be the traditional dawn parades and later gatherings around the war memorials of the nation: the veterans and descendants of those who served their country will march and attend; wreaths will be laid; flags will be lowered and raised, speeches will be delivered, and the Last Post and Reveille will be played.

We will also hear the traditional reminders: Lest we forget and We will remember them.

The media will play their part too, with television presenters and news readers wearing red poppies and the channels and papers recalling battles glorious and deeds victorious. 

It is right and proper that our small country, which has given so many lives per head of population over the last 126 years, should pause and remember the contributions, heroism, sacrifices New Zealanders have made in time of war. 

Many Kiwis at this time will buy a red poppy to keep faith with the fallen and the veterans.

The horrendous toll of wars

However, the reality of war is that most casualties have been civilians, caught up in conflicts where they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tragically, tens of millions of innocent people over the centuries have been slaughtered, injured, raped and displaced because of military campaigns aimed at achieving often short term, political goals. 

In New Zealand, we recall the effects of war on families on the home front who lost husbands, fathers, sons and brothers in campaigns on the other side of the world.  It is hard for us to identify with the plight of families overseas who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves living on, or close to, battlefields, however. 

We can’t imagine what it would be like to have to leave our homes in Elizabeth Street, Tutere Street, Wellington Road and the Esplanade, put our belongings on a cart and head north, south, east or west, possibly never to return.  

 The white and purple poppies

All we are saying is give peace a chance. –John Lennon 

The late John Murray often reminded those who would listen, of the wide ranging casualties of war and the importance of the white poppy as a symbol of peace. 

His advocacy raised the ire of some folk in RSAs who misunderstood the message. Speakers at Anzac Day services often talk about servicemen and women giving their lives that we might live in peace. That’s what the white poppy is all about.