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AS EACH YEAR PASSES, ARE WE KEEPING THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE GREAT WARS ALIVE?
Today, November 11th, 2008, marks 90 years since the end of World War I, the war that was supposed to end all wars. We are nearly as far now from the end of the Vietnam War as the year 1964 was from the end of World War I. Yet many of the younger generation, it seems, know little about the conflict. Was Laurence Binyon right when he wrote 'We will remember them?'
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
Yes, because... The remembrances services are physical proof that we are keeping thier memories alive.
Services are held across Britain both on the Sunday closest to 11th November and on Armistance Day itself. The main service at the Cenotaph attracts thousands of veterans and members of the public each year.According to one member of the public the turnout for the service in Newcastle today was the biggest in years (1) so how can it be argued that we are forgetting the fallen?
The demographics of Armistace Day service attendees will show that it is not the younger generations that are going. The veterans may well turn up, but there are only a few surviving war veterans and so as the years go on the numbers at these services will dwindle.
Vote on this point: The remembrances services are physical proof that we are keeping thier memories alive.
See history of changes to this point
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
Yes, because... People still wear poppies
All over the world people wear poppies in thier lapels to show they remember those who died in the Great Wars, and the money from their sale helps support veterans and thier families. The fact that if you turn on the television you will see every presenter, newsreader or journalist wearing a poppy is a sure sign that we have not forgotten.
The fact that the poppies have such a great onscreen presence may just be due to the fact that most broadcasting companies have a policy on it. Presenters will get into trouble if they go in front of cameras without a poppy and so they follow orders. Perhaps the poppies seen on television are merely evidence of a conservatism found in the higher echelons in the industry rather than an actual indication that the presenters themselves are remembering.
Vote on this point: People still wear poppies
See history of changes to this point
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
Yes, because... TV programs and celebrities are championning remembrance
X-factor single Hero (proceeds go to 'Help for Heroes' and The Royal British Legion) is not only the fastest selling charity record of the decade but also the fastest selling single of 2008. Surely this means that we are not only remembering, but finding new and innovative ways to remember that are integrated into popular culture.
The sales of the X factor single reflect nothing other than the popularity of the program itself amongst the general public.
Vote on this point: TV programs and celebrities are championning remembrance
See history of changes to this point
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
Yes, because... Statistics
Two years ago poppy sales topped 37million, the highest since records began.
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
No, because... Less volunteers on the streets
The Royal British Legion (RBL) say that the number of volunteers willing to help sell poppies on a voluntary basis is rapidly declining. Most volunteers are war veterans and the younger generations seem to show little interest in keeping this tradition alive. (1)
(1)http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/67902/Who-ll-help-lift-poppy-sales-
As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
No, because... Young peole feel distanced from the events.
Royal British Legion spokesman Neil Griffiths said that there has been a "cultural shift" recently. Unlike the children of the 60's and 70's who tired of hearing thier parents tales of the war, young people today are showing a renewed interest: "There has been a cultural shift and now we have a generation not only hugely interested in that period of history, but also well educated." (1)
(1)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7681940.stm
Now young people only have grandparents or great-grandparents that can tell of the war first hand, they have to rely upon history textbooks to get a feel for the sacrifices soldiers made in the war. This means they will inevitably feel distanced from the events and, as they are not personally affected, they will not make such an attempt to commemorate the events.
Vote on this point: Young peole feel distanced from the events.
See history of changes to this point
Vote on this debate: As each year passes, are we keeping the memory of those who died in the Great Wars alive?
Modified:
23 Apr 2010
Point 1. The remembrances services are physical proof that we are keeping thier memories alive.
Services are held across Britain both on the Sunday closest to 11th November and on Armistance Day itself. The main service at the Cenotaph attracts thousands of veterans and members of the public each year.According to one member of the public the turnout for the service in Newcastle today was the biggest in years (1) so how can it be argued that we are forgetting the fallen?
(1)http://twitter.com/jonoble/statuses/1000246852
The demographics of Armistace Day service attendees will show that it is not the younger generations that are going. The veterans may well turn up, but there are only a few surviving war veterans and so as the years go on the numbers at these services will dwindle.
Point 2. People still wear poppies
All over the world people wear poppies in thier lapels to show they remember those who died in the Great Wars, and the money from their sale helps support veterans and thier families. The fact that if you turn on the television you will see every presenter, newsreader or journalist wearing a poppy is a sure sign that we have not forgotten.
The fact that the poppies have such a great onscreen presence may just be due to the fact that most broadcasting companies have a policy on it. Presenters will get into trouble if they go in front of cameras without a poppy and so they follow orders. Perhaps the poppies seen on television are merely evidence of a conservatism found in the higher echelons in the industry rather than an actual indication that the presenters themselves are remembering.
Point 3. TV programs and celebrities are championning remembrance
X-factor single Hero (proceeds go to 'Help for Heroes' and The Royal British Legion) is not only the fastest selling charity record of the decade but also the fastest selling single of 2008. Surely this means that we are not only remembering, but finding new and innovative ways to remember that are integrated into popular culture.
The sales of the X factor single reflect nothing other than the popularity of the program itself amongst the general public.
Point 4. Statistics
Two years ago poppy sales topped 37million, the highest since records began.
Point 1. Less volunteers on the streets
The Royal British Legion (RBL) say that the number of volunteers willing to help sell poppies on a voluntary basis is rapidly declining. Most volunteers are war veterans and the younger generations seem to show little interest in keeping this tradition alive. (1)
(1)http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/67902/Who-ll-help-lift-poppy-sales-
Point 2. Young peole feel distanced from the events.
Now young people only have grandparents or great-grandparents that can tell of the war first hand, they have to rely upon history textbooks to get a feel for the sacrifices soldiers made in the war. This means they will inevitably feel distanced from the events and, as they are not personally affected, they will not make such an attempt to commemorate the events.
Royal British Legion spokesman Neil Griffiths said that there has been a "cultural shift" recently. Unlike the children of the 60's and 70's who tired of hearing thier parents tales of the war, young people today are showing a renewed interest: "There has been a cultural shift and now we have a generation not only hugely interested in that period of history, but also well educated." (1)
(1)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7681940.stm