CORRESPONDENT Philip Sedman (Letters, November 18) chastised some for not wearing a poppy and reminded people of "other cultures" that they should be grateful to those who died making Britain a safe place for them to live.

I am from one of the "other cultures" he refers to: although I do consider myself British, having been born here 30 years ago. I wear my poppy with pride every year and have done so since I was a child. I too realise the human cost of the the two wars, not only to my countrymen here, but in my parents' country of Pakistan (which then was part of India). My grandfather was a senior officer in the armed forces who, for his war service, was invited by the late Lord Mountbatten to live in this country. However, he declined.

I have attended Remembrance Day services for many years to honour all those who sacrificed their lives so that we, including those of us of "different cultures", can live in this country without the fear of persecution which Mr Sedman refers to. Every one of us should realise the sacrifice made.

SAIQA CHAUDHARI