Today we honour the heroes who didn’t choose to go to war — but went anyway.

On 24 February each year, Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) remembers and pays tribute to the animals who have served — and continue to serve — in war and conflict.

They carried soldiers across impossible terrain.
They delivered life-saving messages under enemy fire.
They detected danger before humans could see it.
They stood guard, searched for the wounded, and offered comfort in the darkest of moments.

Horses charged into battle.
Dogs located explosives and missing soldiers.
Pigeons flew through gunfire to deliver messages that saved entire units.

They had no voice in the decision to serve — yet they showed unwavering loyalty, courage and devotion.

The purple poppy is worn alongside the traditional red poppy as a symbol that war was not fought by humans alone. It is a quiet but powerful reminder that animals stood beside our servicemen and women — and paid the price too.

Today we remember their bravery.
We honour their sacrifice.

Lest we forget them, too 💜