Commemoration
International War Animal Day
International War Animal Day (IWAD) is observed in Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Great Britain, and America each year on February 24th.
It asks us to stop and remember the horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, pigeons and other animals that have sacrificed their lives, for us, in wars past and in more recent conflicts. The Exhibition provides continuous opportunities to commemorate these great feats as it explores the diverse ways in which animals have been integral to military operations; what remarkable roles they have played throughout history.
In Australia there are parades, marches and very special events that honour specific animals – check out the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation’s website for further details: awamo.org.au
Our picture here shows two of the original Purple Poppy makers, Valerie and Lynn from Richmond, North Yorkshire shining a light on International War Animal Day in 2025, with Pam Moon of the Donkey Breed Society, Northern Region. They are at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond taking part in a workshop decorating candle holders with purple poppies.
In the Spring of 2026 members of the Donkey Breed Society (NR) their supporters and friends made a Quilt. Their commemorations for IWAD were through crafting.
Joining with others to Remember
It is heartwarming to see purple poppies taking their place amongst the wreaths that commemorate our brave armed forces, on Armistice Day.
These poppies, were made by Rainbows, Brownies and Guides in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire and placed on the war memorial in Saint Luke’s Churchyard in 2025.
Some of the Juniors of the Northern Region of the DBS remembering donkeys like Simpson’s Donkey, and other animals, during their ANZAC Day parade – in Cheshire, UK, 2026.
An Opportunity for Quiet Reflection
Sometimes moments of quiet reflection with our animals allow us to say an unhurried thank you.
Inspired by the purple poppies that form our cascade and those made by many other Charities and Organisations that, like us, seek to encourage remembrance of the war animals’ endeavours, we have seen beautiful examples of crafted poppies. Makers tell us that they often find opportunities for quiet reflection during the crafting process.
In some parts of the country, people get together with their animals to commemorate local animals that have played a particular part in war. In the Eastern region of the Donkey Breed Society, members gather, annually, at Central Park, Peterborough at the grave of Jimmy the Donkey, to pay their respects to a little donkey who actually returned from war and lived in the local area.
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Vanessa Morrish's donkey, Daisy, wearing a poppy made by Claire Harper, DBS Western Region.
Hamish, Dougal and owner Allison Roberts, high upon the fells in Cumbria, quietly mark International War Animal Day.
At The Cumbrian Museum of Military Life, 2024, Bishop John gives a moving speech.