Silent dignity

AS A serving police officer, i was fortunate to be chosen to take part in the civilian contingent of a remembrance Sunday parade in Whitehall. i shall never forget the dignity and respect of the participants and spectators.

The two-minute silence, when even the noise of the traffic ceased and the only movement was that of leaves fluttering from the trees, was truly emotional. The overall effect was a feeling of sadness. No clattering of tanks and missile launchers parading down the street, no valedictory speeches — just silence.

Those who claim the wearing of poppies glorifies war have missed the point. it is a service of remembrance, not a celebration of victory.

The poppies’ symbolism was born 100 years ago because they grew in profusion on the battlefields. The idea captured the public imagination and continues to do so.

An anaemic white version of the poppy does not help the souls of those who died, but tries to make a political point out of a nation’s grief.

MICHAEL HAFFERTY, Sunderland. i WENT to the moving World War i tribute at the Tower of London this week and waited as the sun went down for the flares to be lit.

however, i don’t think the accompanying music — the screech of a single violin and the chanting of a choir — captured the spirit of the indomitable Tommy who went to war with a smile on his face and a fag between his lips. it would have been better to have played Elgar’s Nimrod or the bagpipe lament Flowers Of The Forest.

STEPHEN BIDDLE, Ely, Cambs.