The poppy thread

[Flosshilde]

Has your mother's wallpaper a pattern of poppies?

[MrGongGong]

Has your mother's wallpaper a pattern of poppies?

No, not at all

(doesn't really add much to the discussion, does it ? )

[Beef Oven!]

My father served in WWI, and my brother landed in Normandy on D Day.
The thought that always comes to me at this time of the year is "Why didn't I ask them to tell me more? now it's too late."

Quite a few parents and grandparents of forum members played a military role in WW1&2. I suppose it's the the age profile of people interested in classical music. Luckily, I spoke to my dad (and still do) about his experiences. I was too young when my grandad died to have a meaningful discussion, but I know he was at both Gallipoli and Somme, and survived despite being shot in the throat.

[jean]

No, not at all

(doesn't really add much to the discussion, does it ? )

Nor did your post, but I suppose that was the point.

[vinteuil]

Quite a few parents and grandparents of forum members played a military role in WW1&2..

... and quite a few parents and grandparents played a non-military role in those wars.

"Played a role... " Yes, a great game....

[Beef Oven!]

"Played a role... " Yes, a great game....

Here we go!

[jean]

But playing a role doesn't imply a game so much as a drama.

[vinteuil]

But playing a role doesn't imply a game so much as a drama.

... indeed it does; I am happy to be corrected here. My underlying dislike of treating such serious matters as if they were "play" / "a play" stands.

[Beef Oven!]

... indeed it does; I am happy to be corrected here. My underlying dislike of treating such serious matters as if they were "play" / "a play" stands.

So why didn't you just say so?

[Beef Oven!]

But playing a role doesn't imply a game so much as a drama.

Language moves on.

[Radio64]

Living abroad I often get asked abou the British poppy wearing thing as people like Cameron, Kate and other celebrities are shown on telly wearing them. I explain what it is and what it stands for but people don't always 'get' it..

I remember when I were a lad we used to get one the Saturday before, or at most a week before the Remembrance service in church, but now they seem to be wearing them a month or so before. I hope that doesn't diminish its symbolism in any way. (It's getting to be a bit like Christmas where you have to start thinking about it in September).

But on the whole I agree with poppy wearing as long as folks (especially the young 'uns) know what it's supposed to mean. Out here we have public holidays on, for example 25th April, but a lot of people don't even know why.

ciao for now
:cool:

[jean]

... indeed it does; I am happy to be corrected here. My underlying dislike of treating such serious matters as if they were "play" / "a play" stands.

I think you are regarding the the metaphor as slightly more alive than it actually is. People who talk about playing a role won't be thinking about a game at all, and may not be thinking even about the drama sort of play the metaphor comes from.

That said, remember that a drama may well be a tragedy.

.

[Alain Maréchal]

Out here we have public holidays on, for example 25th April, but a lot of people don't even know why.

Here we have a public holiday on November 11th, and I'm fairly certain everybody knows why.

[vinteuil]

I think you are regarding the the metaphor as slightly more alive than it actually is. People who talk talk about playing a role won't be thinking about a game at all, and may not be thinking even about the drama sort of play the metaphor comes from.

.[/I]

... very possibly. Perhaps if Beef's

Quite a few parents and grandparents of forum members played a military role in WW1&2..

were rephrased as

Quite a few parents and grandparents of forum members fought in WW1&2. .

it wd be more straightforward...

[Radio64]

Here we have a public holiday on November 11th, and I'm fairly certain everybody knows why.

Good for you! The 4th November used to be a holiday here but then they abolished it, and now it's just 'Armed Forces Day'.