Remembrance Sunday. Am I simply old fashioned or do standards matter.

Primrose

Really don't know whether my standards are out of date or whether this is even the right place for a debate but I was surprised today by the attire of some of wreath layers representing their local organisation at our local Remembrance Sunday commemorations today.

Has the usual standard of dark or somber clothing for such occasions gone out out of the windows for a younger generation? . It still seems to be the standard for our national commemorations. Do the younger generation genuinely regard it as respectful to lay a wreath, representing their organisation dressed in high heels, skinny leggings and a skin tight tee shirt displaying all their assets to the world?

Are certain standards or values no longer taught in schools or families or are we in a social environment where these things no longer matter.? I'm beginning to feel totally at odds in a world of changing values and wonder when "old style" in any sense of the word is no longer respected or valued.

elsien

They're there and they are interested enough to be involved and to take part. I would consider that far more important than what they choose to wear.

Sea_Shell

Should we "judge a book by it's cover"?

Is what is in our hearts and minds more important than our external coverings?

What does "respect" mean? Does it have to be public, to be worthy?

maman

elsien wrote: »

They're there and they are interested enough to be involved and to take part. I would consider that far more important than what they choose to wear.

I'd agree, it's being there and showing respect that's the most important thing.

For me, that would include dressing appropriately too but I know that not everyone shares my views.

It would be interesting to hear how people make their choices. There seems to be a dress code for going to the races, for example, and some workplaces but this doesn't always extend to other occasions.

PrettyKittyKat

Lots of schools try to teach children about appropriate wear by having basic school uniform standards but sadly there is a whole brigade of 'stop trying to control them let them wear what they want it makes no difference' which can make it difficult. I do believe lots of people struggle to understand what is 'appropriate' in all context - I used to be mortified in a workplace with a 'smart/casual' office wear dress code when I would see colleagues walking around the office pretty much showing off next weeks laundry!

System

Having attended Remembrance Sunday parades all my life (firstly with my grandad, then later on with Brownies and Guides, then independently, and most recently as a Cub Scout leader) I have always made an effort to look respectable and respectful and hope that others will do the same (in the case of the Cubs have even changed neon shoelaces for black pre-parade). I stand up straight for the wreaths and the war memorial service, even though I don't have a military background.

My my father served in the Navy in the 2nd World War, and my grandfather served in the Army in the Great War and I am proud to say that both my grandpa, my dad and my son have all been chosen to lay a wreath over the years (my Dad for the Probus Club, my Grandpa for the RBL and my son for Scouts).

Back on topic, I don't recall a time when I have been disappointed and seen wreath-layers and other more prominent folk looking anything other than smart and respectful. My main concern is always the high heeled shoes for some of the lady wreath layers as they step backwards.

My biggest gripe is the fact that most of the children and young people I have encountered, along with many adults, do not know the words to at least the first verse of the National Anthem. I don't just mean our footballers.

It's a bit of a standing joke in our family that I am first on my feet as soon I hear the National Anthem - and will stand up when it's just me and the telly and no-one is watching, but hey ho!!

Claddagh_Noir

We have just been out shopping and announcements were broadcasted stating that they will hold the two minutes silence at 11am. Some people still carried on shopping and talking and I hazard a guest they were not youngsters!

At least some people in store acknowledged the silence for the fallen soldiers.

pollyanna_26

I was born in 1948 Primrose three years after the guns fell silent. My father had returned safely from Royal Navy duties escorting the food convoys that brought the food to keep the country fed and journeys to feed the starving russians while the RAF flew overhead to fight off the german planes.


All my uncles and aunts had come home too although two uncles never recovered from the mental fallout they suffered.


Post war was a time of rebuilding and a new start. By the time the 60s arrived it was a whole new world. I always think even when times were tough we were the lucky generation. Young people no longer dressed like their parents and the world was ours to move forward in.


I raised my children to respect others and reach out to help those in need.


I always remember Roots and Wings. Give them the roots and then the wings to fly. It's more important that they take the time and show respect than their clothing. They were representing organisations that still honour all those lost so many years ago and that's what counts.


Watching the Rememberance on tv last night we saw a very modern and deeply moving event. I've never taken much notice of James Blunt although I was aware he was decorated former soldier who'd served in Kosovo. I googled the song he sang "Monsters" and there is a moving story behind it. Lee Mead sang Morning has broken beautifully.


Those who are much younger than us have big challenges to come with the present situation in the uk. Different from war but beyond what we faced over the years. We sleep safe in our beds because at home and abroad there are youngsters risking their lives day and night to keep the uk safe.
polly

Lorian

Plenty of us still turn up that's all that matters.

hazyjo

Wouldn't notice what they were wearing tbh, but then I do feel people should be able to express themselves with clothes, hair, makeup, piercings, tattoos, etc. And I don't think it should matter too much about where they are. Wouldn't care if someone turned up to my wedding in punk or goth gear, or my funeral in a hideous floral frilly number. What's inappropriate for one is normal to another.

onwards&upwards

As long as they had the important bits covered and there were no offensive signs/slogans on the clothes then they were fine.

I feel sad for these young people, making the effort to come to a remembrance service but still being judged and disapproved of by people old enough to know better.