For what its worth, I have every respect for those who have served and even more so for those that have given their lives in the service of their country.
I have little respect though for the majority of politicians who send our brave lads n lassies into danger. Very rarely has it ever been for the right reasons. Power & greed are usually the order of the day.
I would never disrespect a minutes silence, but I no longer wear a red poppy, mainly due to the insistence of the same politicians that not doing so is in some way unpatriotic.
I will continue to stand silently and wear a white one for peace, in the hope that no more of our sons & daughters have to die needlessly in the name of politicians who could never do what they do.