Paul Gibbs
By the time readers receive this magazine the “Remembering Animals in War Day” would have come and gone for this year. This day is also referred to as “Purple Poppy Day” and is commemorated on the 24th of February each year.
Such a day has been recognised in European countries for many years now and has only been given recognition in Australia since 2019. However, the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) introduced the Purple Poppy back in 2013.
Purple Poppy Day aims to acknowledge the contribution and the cost of lives of animals that served alongside Australian troops, from cavalry horses, pigeons, dogs and many other animals that were either work animals and/or mascots.
As many readers would be aware in 2020 the ANRPB were instrumental in a plague dedicated to pigeons, their donors and handlers being placed in the Animals in War Memorial Garden adjacent to the main building of the Australian War Memorial itself.
This year the ANRPB organised for a wreath to be placed near the “Pool of Reflection” on behalf of all pigeon fanciers at the Last Post Ceremony. A photo of the wreath is attached to this article with a card that says; “Thank you for your loyal and selfless service from the Australian National Racing Pigeon Board”.
For those fanciers that may wish to view this year’s Last Post Ceremony you can do so on YouTube using the following link www.youtube.com/AustWarMemorial
Next year the 24th of February will be on a Sunday, and a visit to Canberra especially the War Memorial for those that have not visited there before, or not for a long time is a must, especially for young people. A weekend there is highly recommended.
Concerning this brief article is about animals that served, or to this day still service us in one way or another, I think the following quote by Elbert Hubbard is appropriate ;
“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you”