[monkeyman]

Originally Posted by ken0042

But why does the Legion get exclusive rights to use the poppy as a symbol?

My grandfather served in WWII- and I wear my poppy to honour him and the sacrifices he made. (also to honour our other troups; past and current.) He also detested the Legion- he had stopped going by the early 50's because "it was full of guys who never saw action in the war, but go on to tell stories about how hard the war was."

The poppy symbolizes the efforts of our soldiers; and this is how it is being used in this story. Just because the Legion found a way to use this symbol as a fund raiser doesn't mean they own it.

I have to make this quick, i'm at work after all.
I don't know why they have exclusive rights but I'm glad they do, as I stated before, the symbol of the poppy is being diminished every year, I think it would disappear completely if it were available for use to anyone.
Sure, one or two people doing it doesn't amount to much but if the legion didn't stop it, use would only get more prevalent.
I’m sorry your grandfather had some bad experiences with some locals in the legion but the legion is much more than guys sitting around telling stories about the war. I’m sure in the end, as much as he hated the Legion, he would not want the memory of his efforts and of those many who gave their lives forgotten or trivialized, the poppy helps us to remember.
Anyone who chooses to use this as a reason not to buy a poppy... it would appear the meaning has already lost on you.