Page 30 - Chiron Spring 2020

30 CHIRON CALLING
The War Pigeon memorial opened 24 Feb on Australia’s war animal day at the Australian War Memorial grounds, Canberra. Image AWAMO.
Several weeks prior to the war pigeon memorial being opened inside the AWM a pigeon had made its nest using red poppy’s to raise a chick. Image AWM.
A military working dogs memorial was unveiled at the Australian War Memorial on Monday morning. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong
February 24: The National Day for War Animals – Australia
The Purple Poppy recognises the extraordinary loyalty and courage of all animals who serve alongside our military in times of war and peace. On the frontlines of conflict protecting and supporting our diggers, or in the homes of veterans living with the trauma of service, these often- unsung heroes have earned a place in the hearts of all Australians.
The day was organised in Australia by the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) which preserves the memory and story of war animals through the establishment of world-class memorials and education programs. AWAMO also directly supports retired Service dogs and other projects helping veterans or animals.
Australia is joined by other countries including New Zealand, France and the United States in officially recognising the
Military dogs from the RAAF and Army attended plus a dog from the New Zealand Defence Force. Image AWAMO.
Nigel Allsop
deeds and sacrifices of our war animals serving alongside our troops with their own day of remembrance. Letters of support came from the United Kingdom and Canada.
In 2019 Minister Scott Buchholts announced in Federal parliament that 24th February would be Australia's official war animal day. All Australians being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made and continue to make serving alongside our troops.
This year 2020 saw the Australian War Memorial in Canberra open a war animal display with lectures from Nigel Allsopp President AWAMO Honorary Member of the RAVC and Major Kendall Crocker The Australian Army Veterinarian.
Also the AWM opened a memorial to the
War Pigeon Service and a memorial to war dogs, similar in concept to the unknown soldiers tomb but for all war dogs. Called Circling into Sleep, the memorial features 37 paw prints cast in bronze laid out in a spiral, representing the pattern dogs make before they lie down to sleep.
The president of the Australia War Animal Memorial Organisation and recent ANZAC of the year award recipient Mr Nigel Allsopp said "the 24th of February or purple poppy day is a day all Australians can wear a purple poppy and a time to think not only about our soldiers who gave their lives in war, but also spare a thought for the four-legged and winged hero's that fought and died alongside our troops".
To read more:
http://awamo.org.au/ https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/
exhibitions/WarAnimals
Meanwhile in France at the Official War Animal Memorial at Pozieres for all war animals from all countries, dozens of French locals braved the winter conditions to lay a wreath on 24 Feb to honour war animal day.