Remembrance

One of the more heartening developments of recent years (they're few and far between, God knows) has been the resurgence of Remembrance celebration. A couple of decades ago, it seemed more than likely that the whole business would gradually wither on the vine, as the world war veterans died off and the population at large ceased caring enough to maintain the rituals. There was what seemed then to be a live debate about whether the whole thing 'glorified war', whether it was 'appropriate' for modern times - there were indeed white poppies for the more pacifist elements (I believe the absurd Jon Snow still sports one). The two minutes' silence was moved from 11am on 11/11 to the nearest convenient Sunday, etc. Now, rather amazingly, all that has changed, and Remembrance is bigger and apparently more heartfelt than ever, even though there are now a mere handful of WWI veterans and those from the last spot of bother are in their 80s. There have, of course, been a few small wars, with some loss of life, in recent times - is that why Remembrance has come alive again? Or is it, perhaps, that the world wars retain and strengthen their presence in the collective memory as more is found out about them - and, in particular, as more and more very good books and TV series (e.g. the work of Laurence Rees) are made about them?
Anyway, this brings me on to poppies. Here, I believe, things have got worse. This year's crop seem flimsier than ever, more inclined to crumple and fall unnoticed out of the buttonhole. Why don't they put more effort into the poppy business? A different poppy - or a range of poppies - could be designed for each year (by 'name' designers, if need be) - and a luxury range of larger silk poppies (they used to be available, but now the large ones are back to paper). I am sure more money would be raised, and a wider range of people encouraged to buy poppies. Not like me to come up with sensible and contructive suggestions, I know, but I pass this on for what it's worth.