The white poppy is widely used as a symbol distinct from the traditional red remembrance poppy. It generally represents remembrance for all victims of war (including civilians and military personnel), a critique of war and militarism, and a commitment to peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. Here are the core meanings as commonly described by organizations promoting the symbol:

• Remembrance for all victims of war: honors people of every nationality and all who have suffered in conflicts, past and present, including civilians and refugees.

• Critique of war and militarism: calls attention to the ways war is normalized or glorified and encourages questioning militaristic narratives.

• Peace and nonviolence: emphasizes pursuing peaceful, nonviolent solutions to conflict and preventing future wars.

Key context and origins:

• The white poppy has been worn for many decades, with origins traced to the early 1930s in the UK, associated with the Peace Pledge Union and groups seeking a pacifist message in the wake of World War I.

• It is commonly worn in the run-up to Remembrance Day and is sometimes worn alongside the red poppy, though interpretations differ among wearers and organizations.

Notes and varying perspectives:

• Some sources frame the white poppy as a complement to the red poppy, while others present it as an alternative symbol emphasizing peace and universal grief beyond military sacrifice alone.

• Debates around wearing white poppies often touch on issues of remembrance inclusivity, political viewpoints on war, and personal beliefs about pacifism and advocacy for peace.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific region (e.g., UK, Australia) or provide direct quotes from the Peace Pledge Union and other sources to illustrate the official wording of the three core meanings.