News stories
Remembering those we lost
On November 11th Redwings attended a Memorial Service at the Animals in War Memorial, Park Lane, London.
The service was attended by representatives from animal charities all over the country and commemorated the lives of horses and other animals that were lost in the First World War and many other human conflicts.
On Armistice Day 11th November 2009 at the Animals in War Memorial in Park Lane, London, a touching Remembrance Gathering was held to mark the huge contribution animals have made in all areas of conflict past and present. Attending the first event of its kind at the Memorial were representatives of many animal charities including Redwings, and members of the Armed Forces including three officers on horseback - Captain Mike Fry from the Household Cavalry Blues & Royals, Major Christopher M. Stewardson from the Governor General’s Horse Guards, (Canada) and Captain Laura Holmes from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
At 11am the two-minute silence was observed, then poetry and moving readings were given by two of the mounted officers, followed by: Clarissa Baldwin OBE- CEO of the Dogs Trust, Wing Commander David Bills, from the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, Julie Toben a Trustee from Cats Protection. Philip Breeden from the American Embassy talked of the donkeys and mules currently serving in Afghanistan, Julie Taylor – Radcliffe on behalf of the Margaret Barker Wreath (dedicated to war animals) and Major Melissa Bowerman from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
The last speaker was Jilly Cooper OBE, Author of Animals in War and whose vision created the original idea for the Memorial. Thanks were expressed to Brigadier Andrew Parker-Bowles – a Trustee of the Memorial - who, although sadly not able to be present, had given so much invaluable help to the organisers of the event.
“Due to the overwhelming support for this to happen again plans are already in progress for next year,” said event organiser Emma Kurrels from Voices for Horses. “The main objective was to create a yearly gathering to respect and pay tribute to the millions of animals which served, suffered and died alongside soldiers worldwide and so we do not forget the animals currently working today.”
“The Words on the Memorial read ‘They had no choice’ – nor can they speak for themselves,” said Emma. “They serve in silence and deserve our respect, gratitude and above all, remembrance.”
Nicola Markwell, Communications Manager for Redwings, said: "It was a very moving service and wonderful to have the chance to pay our respects to the horses and all the other animals we have lost over the years. Without their bravery and incredible loyalty many of the conflicts may well have been lost. We would like to say a huge thank you to the organisers for a wonderful day."
Organisations represented at the service included Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Trust, The Donkey Sanctuary, the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, the Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, PDSA and the RSPCA.
With grateful thanks to Wayne Jones Photography for the beautiful images of the day www.waynejonesphotography.com
