purple poppies...

...and this time last year on the verge of ANZAC Day I learned that not only are there red poppies of remembrance but also purple poppies.
These commemorate all the animal deeds and sacrifices in war.

There were horses,donkeys and camels, cats and dogs, parrots and pigeons, monkeys, goats, ducklings and roosters and even koalas and kangaroos!....smuggled in tunics and back-packs from Australia....accompanied soldiers as mascots, mates and 'brothers and sisters in arms'.

The Dickin Medal was awarded to animals during the Second World War.
Of the 54 awarded 32 were to pigeons for 'conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty'.
Two of those carrier pigeons worked in the Australian Army Signal Corps.
And now the poor old pigeon gets such bad press!

This display of remembrance at Mum's local library and the poppies  knitted by the library's knitting group.
A fine and touching display.