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06-13-2009, 05:59 PM
British Legion asks party leader to stop wearing badge
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON - The Royal British Legion is asking the leader of a far-right party to stop wearing its poppy badge.
In an open letter published in The Guardian newspaper, the legion said British National Party leader Nick Griffin was politicizing one of the country's "most treasured and beloved symbols" by wearing it during his campaign for the European parliament.
The poppy badge is often worn by members of the public around Remembrance Day in November to honour veterans.
In a statement posted to his party's Web site Saturday, Griffin said the legion is being used to score political points and should instead focus on the needs of injured soldiers.
The BNP, which does not accept nonwhite members, won two seats in European elections last week.Article at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2009/06/13/9788676-ap.html
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON - The Royal British Legion is asking the leader of a far-right party to stop wearing its poppy badge.
In an open letter published in The Guardian newspaper, the legion said British National Party leader Nick Griffin was politicizing one of the country's "most treasured and beloved symbols" by wearing it during his campaign for the European parliament.
The poppy badge is often worn by members of the public around Remembrance Day in November to honour veterans.
In a statement posted to his party's Web site Saturday, Griffin said the legion is being used to score political points and should instead focus on the needs of injured soldiers.
The BNP, which does not accept nonwhite members, won two seats in European elections last week.Article at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2009/06/13/9788676-ap.html