About 400,000 horses have helped Australians during wars. Just one of those horses made it back to Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Sunday, about 200 people commemorated those animals lost at war during a Tasmanian-first event at Campbell Town.
War Animal Day recognised all the animals that were used in wars, and the benefits they have to veterans.
Australian Light Horse Association national vice president Lawrence Watts said he was a founding member of Australian War Animals Memorial Association and had received some push back about calls for recognition of the animals.
"A lot of people are now coming on board," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Australian parliament legislated the 24 of February as national War Animal Day in Australia in 2018, which is the same day as the United Kingdom, France, the US and other countries that recognise the animals.
"There is a world acknowledgement now of the price that these animals have paid. Keep in mind these animals were volunteered, but they served with great distinction," Mr Watts said.
He said there was an intense history of animals being used in wars right up until today, including glow worms smashed on soldiers' hats at night in the Korean War.
Animals are still important for those who served for us, even after they have served their time, he said.
"We also provide funding for service dogs post their discharge and we also use dogs and horses for post traumatic individuals as well," he said.
"We relate to the animal and it helps and encourages and enriches our lives so we're honouring the ultimate sacrifice a lot of these animals have paid for us."
Northern Tasmanian Light Horse Troop coordinator Terese Binns said it was an absolutely marvelous day, that was a bit overwhelming at times.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERS HERE: