War Animal Remembrance Day will be held early 2021

The War Animal Remembrance Day event will be held on February 27 2021 at 11am at the Campbell Town Cenotaph to commemorate all the animals that served during the time of war.

Northern Tasmanian Light Horse Troop coordinator Terese Binns said the ceremony will see not only a number of ex-service people in attendance, but also many war time animals including camels, donkeys, pigeons, dogs and horses.

"It means a lot to the servicemen to be able to commemorate the animals they come in contact with," she said.

"[The animals] did such a marvelous job of doing what they were actually trained to do and they just did it in extreme circumstances and to give some recognition to the animals, I think, is a wonderful thing to do."

In the months leading up to the day, the troop are raising money through their purple poppy merchandise to fund the occasion, with the day itself free to attend.

The purple poppy is symbolic of remembrance for war animals so by wearing it, it pays tribute to their sacrifices.

"The War Animal Day means a lot because the animals cant do it themselves without someone organising it and promoting it. I get quite a lot of pleasure to be able to promote the animals and bring to light their stories," Ms Binns said.

"It's all very moving."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The day will include a performance from the 40-piece Launceston City Band, an ode to the animals, a guest speaker sharing tales of what some animals did, and other things after the service that are animal orientated.

Animals have been used in a variety of ways during times of conflict such as regimental mascots, to deliver messages, and detect explosive devices.

Jerrod Oliver, of Smithton, and who was representing an officer of the Australian Veterinary Corps, said the day was hugely important to honour the animals.

"It's a very important part of our history and with reenactment it keeps everything alive," he said.

In 2019, the Australian Government sanctioned a special day for animals that served in the military and an Animal Memorial plaque was unveiled at the ceremony.

"We have a plaque that we unveiled last February and hopefully that will be mounted for our next service in February 2021," Ms Binns said.

This year's event, held on February 23, attracted 300 people as well as a large troop of animals.