Pets of the Kawarthas - the Purple Poppy

Written by Susan Dunkley Porter

Peterborough's Well Known Pet Lover

The purple poppy

Each year on November 11th we take a moment of silence to remember our fallen soldiers. Since 1921, the traditional red poppy – the Remembrance Day flower, has been worn to show a sign of respect for people lost in military conflict.

Did you know that there is a “Purple Poppy” dedicated for the animals that died in the war? In 2006, the purple poppy was created in New Zealand to remember the animal victims of war. The purple poppy symbolizes remembering all animals who have died during conflict.

War is often regarded as the greatest downfall of humankind. Indeed, no other species commits such wanton destruction on such a grandiose scale and with such horrifying efficiency. It is tragic too that, as humanity has domesticated wildlife, we have incorporated them into our fights and conflicts.

It is often overlooked that animals have been indispensible used for centuries during as messengers,

for detection, scouting and rescue, and as beasts of burden on the front line.

Just as animals have found versatile uses in civilian life, they also have many roles in warfare, from scouts and trackers, to bomb detection and intimidation. Over the years a staggering number of dogs, horses, mules & donkeys, camels, elephants, pigeons, canaries even insects!

This Remembrance Day, let us remember to look back and honour not only the men and women who fought valiantly, but also the animals that tragically fought and died, in our name.