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Four-legged war heroes
Published on November 10th 2021
This week, as every year, we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th. This commemoration pays tribute to those who lost their lives, mainly during the First World War, but also to all the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.
But did you know that many animals also lost their lives in the line of duty, whether during the First World War or the many conflicts that followed? And did you know that the purple poppy has been adopted and dedicated to the animals that died in the wars?
It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives during the First World War. They were often used as messengers to detect explosive devices, in search and rescue, and as carriers on the front line. But perhaps most importantly, and a role that these furry friends still fulfill, war animals very often served as companions, helping soldiers cope with the horrors they had to survive each day. The ancestors of our emotional support animals!
This Thursday let's remember these brave men and women who continue to protect our freedoms and let's remember these spirited animals, their feats, and sacrifices.
Explore this topic with the kids:
- Tales of Animals in War - 2021 Edition, Veteran Affairs Canada
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