Re some of the previous posts, yes people are forced to wear them - I would be very surprised if military orders or directives did not stipulate where and when you WILL wear the poppy. I think there is a tad of PC in the military and we (particularly at the SO level) can not be seen not to fall into line. I, for one, do not need to wear a poppy to remember my friends that I have lost in aviation crashes, not all in War.
Let it be a personal thing BUT I do so agree with the reason for collecting, if I have to wear a poppy to ensure the cash goes to the needy, that is a sacrifice I am more than willing to make. If it (wearing a poppy for 11 days) is the only thing that makes me think of the fallen - I am a poor specimen of a human being!!!