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Peace Poppy
So I was just watching CTV News and I saw a story on the 'peace poppy' being distributed in Alberta. Now I'm all for peace but this seems disrespectful to the men and women who fought and died, and the veterans do seem upset about it.
Quote:
White poppy emblems anger Edmonton veterans
Edmonton veterans are considering legal action to stop the sale of white poppy emblems.
The Earth's General Store on Whyte Avenue has been selling white poppies during the week leading up to Remembrance Day.
Owner Michael Kalmanovitch says the poppies promote a message of peace.
However, a veteran with the Royal Canadian Legion says the white poppies are an insult and may infringe on the legion's trademark.
"The use of the poppy in any other colour other than in blood red is a disservice and dishonour to all our fallen dead, the past and our latest veterans," said Robert Torrie, spokesman for the Kingsway Legion, Branch 175.
Store will continue to sell poppies
Kalmanovitch says he'll continue to sell white poppies despite the legal threat.
"I mean it's a little bit un-Canadian that somebody has a trademark on the poppy. It would be like having a trademark on the rose in Alberta or the beaver … It's just bizarre," said Kalmanovitch.
Kalmanovitch has been selling the white poppies for several years. Edmonton Women in Black, an anti-war group, is also selling them.
Kalmanovitch purchases them from the Pledge Peace Union in London, U.K. According to the organization's website, the white poppy dates back to 1933.
"The White Poppy symbolizes the belief that there are better ways to resolve conflicts than killing strangers," states the web site.
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Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Last edited by silent_jay; 11-08-2006 at 08:32 PM..
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