Today is Remembrance Sunday.
As the hoomans gather at the Cenotaph War Memorial to remember and honour those who paid the ultimate price to secure our freedom, we went to the Animals in War memorial.The memorial located on the eastern part of Hyde Park consists of three parts.On one side of the dividing wall are two heavily laden bronze mules struggling up the steps to go through the wall.
On the wall under ANIMALS IN WAR the inscription reads –“This monument is dedicated to all the animals
that served and died alongside British and allied forces
in wars and campaigns throughout time.
They had no choice.”
On the other side, a bronze horse and dog stand “bearing witness to the loss of their comrades and representing hope for the future.“The inscription on the other side of the wall reads – “Many and various animals were employed to support British and Allied Forces in wars and campaigns over the centuries and as a result millions died.From the pigeon to the elephant, they all played a vital role in every region of the world in the cause of human freedom.
Their contribution must never be forgotten.” On the wall are also emblazoned with ghostly animal silhouettes representing those that were lost in the wars.
May’s comment: The Animals in War Memorial, installed in November 2004 is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died along side the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century. It is on Park Lane, at the junction with Upper Brook Street, on the eastern edge of Hyde Park.
Remembrance Sunday in the UK is a day we remember and honour those who have paid the ultimate price to secure and protect our freedom.