Purple Poppy: Remembrance

The beginning of 2023 has been a significant one as Defence Community Dogs acknowledged National War Animal Remembrance Day ‘Purple Poppy Day’ on Feb 24.

The DCD team were grateful to attend two special Last Post services. One at the Canberra War Memorial alongside the RSL & Services Clubs Association, and the other Inaugural Last Post Service for Animal Remembrance, at The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

DCD dogs and their Veteran Recipients attended both services, which honoured the contribution of all animals who have given their loyalty and their lives, serving alongside their human comrades. Dogs, horses, donkeys, camels and pigeons are just some of the animals that have served, and were remembered in both of these services.

Special thanks to DCD Veteran Recipients and their dogs who took part in the services, to also raise the profile of assistance animals who continue to serve our ADF members, providing emotional and physical support to serving and ex-serving members.