Toowoomba Regional Council is inviting the community to remember our war animals on National Purple Poppy Day. The Animal War Memorial at the Queensland State Rose Garden, Newtown will host a commemoration service at 9.00am on Sunday, 24th February.
Toowoomba Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Carol Taylor said animals have served our nation in war and we should take the time to remember their centuries of service.
"The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during military conflict and throughout the world, there will be wreaths laid to remember these faithful servants, Cr Taylor said.
"While most people will know about Simpson and his donkey or the charging horses of Beersheba, the deeds of many other horses, camels, dogs, cats, pigeons, and even marine animals will be remembered on this national day of commemoration.
"It is a little-known fact that pigeons from Toowoomba Region received the highest commendation for a military animal, the Dickin Medal, for their service of our country.
"According to the Australian War Animal Memorial organisation over 9 million animals died during WWI including many thousands of Australian war horses, mules, donkeys, pigeons, and dogs.
"Except for the famed horse 'Sandy' of Major General Sir William Bridges KCB CMG, no other Australian war animals returned home due to quarantine restrictions.
"Throughout history, animals have served our armed forces as beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and friends, Cr Taylor said.
"Toowoomba's War Animal Memorial is one of our nation's main commemoration sites.
"Memorial services will be held throughout Australia and also in Waiouru, New Zealand and the Australian War Memorial to animals at war in Pozieres, France.
"As Gandhi once said, 'the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated'.
"On National Purple Poppy Day we should all take a moment to honour the contributions animals have made to our nation."
