Thursday 23rd February is Purple Poppy day in Australia; in honour of all the animals that served in war and conflict. If you can; please buy a poppy to support animals in conflict. They gave their lives for humanity. They did not have a choice. I will be wearing my purple poppy to show my respect, honour, support and love for these these wonderful sentient beings and all animals.
https://www.purplepoppies.com.au/
Sadly many horses were either left overseas at the end of WW1 or were shot. I find that absolutely unacceptable and the ultimate cruel, disrespectful betrayal of these animals after all their service to humanity. This though was orders from the top, not the decisions of the servicemen. Just imagine the absolute heartbreak for those men given this order. I expect many could not bring themselves to shoot their horses so they set them free. There were also camels used in WW1 that gave their lives too. I am not sure of what happened to them though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Simpson_Kirkpatrick
The bronze statue at the front of the Australian War Memorial Canberra
You will find some fantastic books in the gift shop of Australians at war including brave animals that were enlisted. The Australian War Memorial is pretty much sacred grounds to all Australian people. We have a very powerful connection to this place. Many Australian people have loved ones that never returned from war and their names are commemorated in the halls of remembrance.
