Sir, - I refer to the letter from Catherine Adams in your edition of November 22nd. The short point, of course is that if she does not wish to buy a poppy (because of the Angst it causes her) she has the right not to do so, and nobody should think any the less of her for it. She might now and again ask herself, though, how that right, that freedom was maintained in the period 1939-45.
During the two World Wars, many brave people fought and died for freedoms such as the right not to buy a poppy, many of whom were Irish. Does the fact that they fought and died for an army of "occupation" mean that she chooses to ignore or forget them? It is surely what is in your heart and mind that counts, but wearing a poppy makes clear to others that you, together with others, choose to pay particular respect to their memory at that, time of the year.
Nobody would or should force anyone to wear a poppy. So, Ms Adams, I wouldn't let it worry you too much. I am sure you remember the dead soldiers of Ireland, even those who fought for Britain, in your own way. - Yours, etc.,
Christie Close,
Broxbourne,
Herts EN10 7RB.