The Purple Poppy: Remembering Animals at War

Written by Haley Forgacs

The Purple Poppy Campaign, which originated in the UK in 2006, serves to

commemorate animals that have served in armed conflicts and honours

them as forgotten victims of war. In Canada, the campaign is meant to

compliment the red poppy of the Royal Canadian Legion, honouring

Canadians who have served in or sacrificed their lives in war.

Historically, animals such as horses, elephants, camels, pigeons, and dogs

have been used in battle, consequentially impacting the outcomes of war,

and protecting the lives of countless combat soldiers. Mules and horses have

been used to carry panniers and artillery, as well as mounted troops; carrier

pigeons have delivered messages, and dogs have been used as messengers,

medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers. In the

First World War alone, eight million horses and another eight million other

animals were sacrificed. Today, animals continue to be used in war for

transportation, bomb detection, experimentation, and for various other

means. Dogs are still used for their unique instincts to aid in search and

rescue missions and detect mine-clusters.

The purple poppy honours the contribution and sacrifice of all animals. It also

acknowledges that animals are victims of war. We cannot consider animals

to be war heroes as they lack the comprehension of what they are being

used for and have no control over how they are used. The purple poppy is

not meant to undermine the honouring of human lives sacrificed during war,

but rather commemorate the loss of animal life alongside humans.

Information provided by the Animal Alliance of Canada

(https://www.animalalliance.ca/purple-poppy-remembrance-day/), the

National Archives

(https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1996/fall/buddies.html), and

Veterans Affairs Canada

(https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-

inventory-canadian-memorials/details/9002)