Friday 11 November 2011

Purple Poppy

Hi all.

It has been some time since I last had the chance to post a message on the blog. We have been cruising on our boat and having a good time. Both me and Abbey managed to fall overboard on this trip. But we had a great time.

Over here in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world we celebrate Armistice Day on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year. This year makes it 11/11/11/11 or the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the 2011 year.

However, on item is purchased which is a red poppy, this is a symbol of recognition of the soldiers who gave their lives on both sides in a conflict. Some people choose to wear a white poppy as recognition of the soldiers sacrifice whilst stating at the same time their belief of being a pacifist.

There is also a third emblem - it is the purple poppy. Throughout the history of human conflicts, animals have been victims of war. During World War I, dogs and pigeons were used to deliver messages between front line trenches and further afield. Horses, donkeys and even elephants have been routinely used as beasts of burden, while an array of animals – from bears to deer – have been kept as pets in the midst of battle.



Today, animals continue to be used in the battlefield to detect explosives. To commemorate all the animal victims, a purple poppy, can be worn alongside the traditional red one, or white one as a reminder that both humans and animals have been – and continue to be – victims of war.

Yip Yap.

Poppy and Abbey.