THERE are those things of tradition we cherish. The poppy is as synonymous with remembering our dead as the cross or crucifix is of worship, sacrifice and suffering.

Admittedly, symbols do not always have acclaim or recognition that endear us to their cause. Indeed, symbols can have a sinister side. For instance, the swastika symbolises the poison of power that riddled Nazi Germany – a far cry from the modern-day German state.

Symbols of virtue that represent the heart of a culture must surely be preserved. It seems not, if recent press reports are anything to go by. Just recently, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy must prohibit the display of the crucifix in schools.

Not surprisingly, the decision has been resisted by the Italian government and provoked a furious response from the Catholic Church, prompting it to seriously question the judgement and motive.

Can the crucifix be so offensive? It embraces a spirit and faith in mankind and alongside those symbols of sacrifice must surely be sacred.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.