The poppy is not bought, it's offered in return for a donation to the Royal British Legion. I choose not to wear a poppy, but equally I don't wear a badge saying I donated to Typhoon Ondoy relief, cancer research, or this forum ! I chose not to wear a tie when working in hospital because it's a source of cross-infection, not because I admire Simon Cowell ! Respect for - and from - others is earned through consistent behaviour, including humility because we all make mistakes.
I share your disappointment at the lack of response, Arthur, it's a serious thread, and the few replies so far deserve reading. However, since this is a filipinouk forum, we should also remember that during the two years of Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, at least 10,000 Filipinos and Americans died before General MacArthur carried out his promise "I shall return". Jose Rizal is a national hero. "All Saints' Day" - November 1 - is the day when filipinos honour their dead....but I've been told you don't pay your respects in the Philippines by being miserable !
