In Australia, single poppies are not usually worn on ANZAC Day - the poppy belongs to
Today, the red poppy has become a very special symbol of commemoration on: Remembrance Day in Australia and other Commonwealth countries. Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand.
Wearing a poppy (on the left breast or lapel) is more common in Australia on and around Remembrance Day, 11 November.
Conservative dress (smart/business attire) is the "norm" at Anzac Day ceremonies although no formal protocol exists.
The lapel Poppy should be worn during the Remembrance period, from the last Friday in October until November 11. The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Mr McClean has suffered abuse for the last decade for his decision not to wear the poppy because of the events of Bloody Sunday in his native Co Derry in 1972, when 13 people were shot to death by members of the British army during a civil rights march. A 14th person died later.
The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left breast, close to the heart.
In Australia, single poppies are not usually worn on ANZAC Day - the poppy belongs to Remembrance Day, 11 November. However, wreaths of poppies are traditionally placed at memorials and honour boards on ANZAC Day.
At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, on Remembrance Day, we pause for 1 minute of silence. That minute is a special time to remember those Australians who died in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or are serving in the armed forces. In many countries, the poppy is worn on Armistice Day (11 November), but in New Zealand it is most commonly seen on Anzac Day, 25 April.
The Black poppy is a fairly recent addition, having only been launched in 2010. Selena Carty set it up and it is worn to remember black, African, Caribbean and Pacific Islanders who lost their lives at war.
A gunfire breakfast typically involves rum-laced coffee or tea, hot food such as bacon and eggs, and is a chance for veterans – and often other community members – to enjoy shared camaraderie. The custom stems from 'gunfire' – a mix of rum and black tea dating back to at least the 1890s.
For uniformed personnel, on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, they may wear their own medals on the left breast and their ancestor's medals on their right. War medals are worn in a horizontal line, suspended from a single bar (of which no part should be seen) or stitched on.
However, not everyone chooses to wear a red poppy for many different reasons. Some people feel the red poppy has become too political, and that some politicians have used the powerful feelings it creates to justify war.
Today, the wearing of a single poppy is generally reserved for Remembrance Day, November 11, commemorating the date of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. However, wreaths of poppies are also placed at memorials and beneath honour boards on Anzac Day, April 25.
The first commemorative event of Anzac Day is the Dawn Service at 4.30 am. This is about the time men of the ANZAC approached the Gallipoli beach.
How do I commemorate Anzac Day at home? People are encouraged to stand in their driveways, at their front gates or on their front verandas to "light up dawn" at 6:00am (AEST). The Ode, the Last Post, the Minute's Silence and Reveille are scheduled to happen at that time during the national service.
The ANF is to be flown at half-mast from sunrise until 12 noon. For Anzac Day ceremonies the ANF is to be at half-mast and then raised to the peak during the playing of Reveille at the conclusion of the service. One minute silence is then observed.
How long should you wear your poppy? "Take it off after Nov. 11 because that's when you leave it at the graveside," said Ferguson. "That's technically what it originally was all about.
Wearing a poppy is still a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support.
Some believe that men should wear their poppy on the left of their chest and women on the right, but the Royal British Legion say that the only rule is to “wear it with pride.” Some cars and buses also “wear” poppies, but it's not so common.
It has been widely speculated that the five poppies represent each service in the war – Army, Navy, RAF, Civil Defence and women.
The issue is not a theological one, there is no Catholic Church rule to say we should not wear poppies or remember the military dead. For Catholics living here I would suggest it is different for historical reasons and because of all the “political baggage” that we attach to wearing a poppy.
A Taliban spokesman told the BBC they imposed the ban because of the harmful effects of opium - which is taken from the poppy seed capsules - and because it goes against their religious beliefs.
“On Anzac Day we commemorate the efforts of ordinary New Zealanders in the service of their country. The wearing of medals is a tradition that links our past, with those serving today.” For more information about medals please go to www.medals.nzdf.mil.nz.