The Australian War Memorial is to support the National Day for War Animals in Australia for the first time this year.
An initiative of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, the National Day for War Animals is marked around the world in recognition of the deeds of animals in military service and to educate the community about the sacrifices war animals make.
Australia’s War Memorial will mark the date on Sunday (24 February) with guided family tours exploring the roles of animals during wartime. Visitors will receive a free silk purple poppy pin with any ‘animals in war’ publication purchased.
Director of the Memorial, Brendan Nelson said an acknowledgement would be made during the evening’s Last Post Ceremony, and staff and volunteers are to wear purple poppies to raise awareness on the day.
Dr Nelson said the roles that animals played throughout the nation’s military history had often been overlooked.
“Throughout the galleries at the Australian War Memorial, we have ensured that animals are well represented, from the camels and donkeys of the First World War to horses and pigeons, and the remarkable story of Sarbi (pictured) an Explosive Detection Dog who served in Afghanistan,” Dr Nelson said.
“In Afghanistan alone, the role played by military dogs of the Special Air Service Regiment and the Explosive Detection Dogs used by the engineers has been critically important in reducing Australian casualties while taking the fight to the enemy.”
