This is with reference to Gen Vijay Oberoi's letter titled 'We need to change Tack' in which there was mention of the wearing of a red poppy in Europe on Remembrance Day to honour the war dead and veterans of those who fell, those who were wounded and those who survived the wars.
The wearing of small red paper poppys by men and women on their clothes made the day more significant as the red poppy signified the war dead of World War I.
The link of the red poppy with the war dead commenced after a very moving poem titled 'On Flander's Fields' in remembrance of those who died in World War I. This short poem caught the imagination of the military and the civilian alike.
The red poppy today is synonymous with Remembrance Day and with the war veteran.
I feel it would be good if we could also link our Remembrance Day proposed to be held every 16 Dec with some symbol. A paper flower to my mind is the answer. It should be a simple flower and not one that could get mixed up with other orgs eg. The Lotus is the symbol of the BJP. Possible options are the marigold (genda), the daisy, the sun-flower etc.
If I had a choice, I would go for the marigold because it is an Indian flower that is in use to celebrate both life and death. Since time is short this year, we could use a fresh flower to symbolise our movement. In subsequent years we could use a paper marigold.
Since we contemplate the celebration of Remembrance Day and its association with the War dead, the war wounded and the war veterans, you may like to consider including the above proposal and my poem on the 'Unknown Soldier' in your eminently popular 'Report my Signal'. The theme of the poem is in keeping with the way the soldier is treated when the war is over. The poem is from my book 'Param Vir' and is given below.
The Unknown Soldier
I am the unknown soldier, forgotten and ignored
When once the war is over and peace and quiet assured
We fought for you and country and now that we are dead
We rest in quiet exclusion, 'cause nothing more is said
Of how we did our duty, that you may rest in peace
When once the foe was vanquished and the strife of war had ceased
The country called upon us to do what needs be done
To oust the vicious enemy and ensure the war was won
Our near and dear ones blessed us and sent us full of pride
To defend our country's honour and some were new wed brides
We went and fought your battles, most of which we won
Some never came back, all were mother's sons
Our bodies they do lie there, on hill and vale and plain
Exposed to all the elements of snow and ice and rain
So many were so anxious, some still do wait in vain
What can you do to lessen our loved ones grief and pain?
Our last rites were not given, we died a soldier's death
Our eldest sons kept waiting, their hopes could not be met
We went and did our duty, we do not ask for much
Only a piece of honour, our loved ones' hearts to touch
A place where they can think of happy days gone by
To pray on the lonesome morrow and if need be stand and cry
Although we've left earths orbit and need to rest in peace
Our souls are not past caring, our pain will never cease
Till you and the country's leaders create a haloed space
For a fitting War Memorial, on valour and honour based
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo AVSM, SM (Retd)
Wars may come and go. But our debt to those who sacrificed their lives remains for ever
COMMENT: Wars may come and go. But our debt to those who sacrificed their lives remains for ever. The 90th anniversary of the Armistice was one of many anniversaries being marked this year and observed all throughout the world. A far cry from own Establishment's 'reluctance' to observe 'VIJAY DIWAS'! Explains, at least partly, the step- motherly treatment meted out to the Forces by the 'Pay Commissions'.
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