I was part of the Boys' Brigade and so was expected to join the act of homage to people who had served and many who had died while fighting for their country.

The ex-servicemen filed into the church to honour those they had lost in one of the world wars, or the conflicts since – many with a tear in their eye.

It was always a moving occasion but also seemed a little alien to a young Derbyshire lad in a village church 40 years after the last conflict on our shores or in our skies.

The Falklands War had passed and seemed very distant from the day to day life in Derbyshire — especially for the younger generation.

Now, 20 years later, our troops are in conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan with men and women once again dying for the cause.

It has brought conflict and war back into the news and we see the distress of families losing sons and daughters in 'battle'.

But while some people wear their poppies with pride, some struggle with the thought, believing that it shows pride in war – hence the white poppies of a few years ago.

Others see no need for the wars that are being waged in the Middle East and many – including families of the troops – have actively campaigned and spoken out against the conflict.

But the pride is not in the battle, it is in those who have fought and many who have died.

It is for their families who have given all in the service of their country.

The pride is in the people who have made the greatest sacrifice.

Whether we believe in war or not, wearing our poppies with pride shows that we acknowledge the men and women who have died or now live with the consequences of conflict.