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)
