This is an official RBL red poppy, but many poppy pins and badges are on sale that have nothing to do with the Royal British Legion — This is an official RBL red poppy, but many poppy pins and badges are on sale that have nothing to do with the RBL

Tri-Service

Call to buy official RBL poppies and not help profiteers as Remembrance approaches

Remembrance Sunday allows people to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from the UK and the Commonwealth, but some traders are profiting from its symbol, the red poppy.

Poppies, pins and badges are available from the Royal British Legion, and buying and wearing one helps to fund the work of the RBL as well as signifying the act of remembrance.

However several online retailers are selling Remembrance-themed poppies that largely come from China and are nothing to do with the Royal British Legion.

The Royal British Legion has offered some guidance for people wanting to purchase a poppy to help the RBL, not the profiteers.

A spokesperson told BFBS Forces News: "The best way the public can support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and help the Armed Forces is to donate through our official channels.

"We would urge everyone wishing to purchase poppy products to do so from one of our trusted volunteers, from the Royal British Legion's online Poppy Shop or from one of our corporate partners."

One online retailer is selling a poppy pin with the logo "Lest We Forget 2024", which clearly intends to cash in on this year's Remembrance Sunday.

Another is selling different types of poppy pins, one of which depicts a British Tommy figure, similar to the RBL's own design, with the words "Never Forget. All Gave Some. Some Gave All."

It is even being advertised as a Remembrance Day item.

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The RBL spokesman added: "We regularly monitor and report items which infringe on our trademarks and have an agreement with the major platforms to remove those items swiftly from their marketplace.

"By donating through our official channels, the public know that their money is going to the Poppy Appeal and towards supporting our Armed Forces community."

And, as the RBL points out: "Remembrance does not glorify war and its symbol, the red poppy, is a sign of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

"Wearing a poppy is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support."