Lest we forget. What short memories some people have. The theft of a poppy appeal collecting box from York's Garden of Remembrance in Duncombe Place seems difficult to comprehend. The callous act suggests a character devoid of compassion and respect.

It could be said that leaving any valuable item outdoors, in public and not under lock and key, is nave these days.

But the members of the Royal British Legion who organise the poppy appeal do so in utter reverence and respect to the people who died in two world wars.

They could not expect such a total lack of respect from others, even though last year the same collecting box was damaged by vandals.

This same lack of respect means that churches now have to be locked or they are burgled, vandalised or defiled. It is the same lack of respect which is shown to old people, to police, teachers and every other form of authority.

Now there is no honour, even among thieves.

see NEWS 'How could they?'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.