Friday, November 30, 2012

Animals in War


Yesterday I visited one of the most touching war memorials I've ever seen -- the "Animals in War" memorial on Park Lane in Mayfair. Sculpted by David Backhouse and unveiled by Princess Anne in 2004, the memorial has its own web site here.

"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," it reads. "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."

The animals are shown laden with wartime equipment, entering a stone gateway...


...and emerging on the other side, freed of their burdens.

It brings tears to my eyes, it really does! I mean, any war memorial is touching -- but at least when humans are involved, they (or their leaders) are responsible for the conflict. The animals are responsible for nothing, and yet suffered as much as any other veteran.

It's great to see all the wreaths and other items left at the memorial, reminders that people take the contributions of the animals seriously.
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7 comments:

  1. Ms. MoonNovember 30, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Again- something you've brought us that I've never really thought about.
    Thank-you. That is moving, to think of those animals who had no choice in the matter but who yet, through their training and sometimes (I would imagine) devotion, played their role in war.

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  2. utahDOG!November 30, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Wonderful post!

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  3. The BugNovember 30, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Brought tears to my eyes too!

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  4. LorianneNovember 30, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Misty-eyed here, as well. With most war memorials, it's the names that choke me up. Here, it's the absence of names. So many otherwise forgotten creatures, named and nameless.

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  5. LynneNovember 30, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Wonderful!

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  6. Reya MellickerNovember 30, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    What a beautiful post! And how great that there's a memorial.

    There are so many dead horses walking around in DC - still in shock from dying at war. I read recently that horses and humans are psychologically very similar. I believe it.

    Thank you!

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  7. Linda SueDecember 1, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    Well....THAT did it- now I am a mess, of course and have to go out and act normal...Beautiful and very VERY sad. Shit.

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