White poppy wreath laid in Leamington to remember victims of war
While respecting those who wear the red poppy for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, those present at the event - which has been running in the town for 11 years - choose the White Poppy as it remembers all victims of war, both and civilian, on all sides.
One of only 18 White Poppy ceremonies to be held nationwide took place a the war memorial in Leamington on Sunday (November 8) afternoon.
While respecting those who wear the red poppy for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, those present at the event - which has been running in the town for 11 years - choose the White Poppy as it remembers all victims of war, both and civilian, on all sides.
The event was attended by Warwick District residents but also people from as far as Stratford-upon-Avon and Redditch.
Judy Steele , a spokeswoman for the event, said: “Everyone at the event gets the chance to speak.
“This provided a sharing and affirmation of the peace work being done locally and nationally, including campaigns against conscription and the arms fair at the NEC.
“The most shocking effects of war are on children - they don’t ask for war and they don’t deserve it.
“Automatic weapons which can operate after launch with minimum human intervention are a major threat to children.
“They are also known as LAWS - Lethal Automatic Weapons Systems.
“Save the Children is campaigning about this.
“The United Nations says that 130 states support the need for new legally binding rules on autonomous weapons but the UK is not one of them.”
The wreath is made of local willow and decorated with knitted and crocheted poppies that have been re-used each year.
It was laid by 18-year-old Sophie Davies, one of the visitors from Redditch, who wants to see more information about peace work available in schools.