Sir, - Poppies were worn originally to commemorate those who died (on the British side) during the first World War. Many letterwriters to your newspaper (e.g. Jim Walsh, November 13th) say these people died "to preserve freedom and liberty". Does anyone really believe that this was in the minds of the majority of those young men back in 1914 when they signed up? Does Mr Walsh believe that the first World War was a straightforward conflict where Britain stood for "freedom and liberty" and the Kaiser's Germany against it? To commemorate the dead of war is no bad thing, but to naively believe children's history textbooks is questionable. - Yours, etc.,
From Martin Clear
Cartrontroy, Athlone, Co Westmeath.