by Carol Hellmers 24th February is designated National Day for War Animals in Australia. A day when we take time to remember and commemorate the deeds and sacrifices of animals in war. Animals have been put to many uses in war serving as transport, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots and pets. Working dogs were used by the Royal Australian Engineers in 1918, with sappers handling messenger dogs in the trenches of France. Search dogs were used from 1944 after the raising of the First Australian Dog Platoon. Mine detection and scout dogs were used in Korea and Vietnam, and Explosive Detection Dogs were used to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. This year, National War Animal Day was marked with a service at Club Narooma. The local community choir under the direction of Robin Scott-Charlton, provided a musical backdrop as wreaths were laid by RSL, WIRES, Eurobodalla RSPCA and Narooma Marine Rescue. The NSW Animal Welfare League was well represented by Robin Gourley and Louise Web from Eurobodalla Branch and Carol Hellmers from Narooma Dog Training Club Branch. Together Robin and Carol laid a lovely wreath of fresh flowers, from Twig and Blossom.
Special thanks to Rosy Williams for photographs of this special occasion.
Kommentare