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The purple poppy campaign originated in the UK in 2006 but was adopted by the Animal Alliance of Canada in 2015.
For several years, the Animal Alliance of Canada has been organizing small groups of animal advocates in Victoria on Remembrance Day to remember the animal victims of war. This year they plan to take the campaign nationally.
Purple poppies are meant to recognize the atrocities committed upon animals through war, the great loss of animal lives during the first World War in particular, and the ongoing use of animals in war.
“There is a misconception that animals are no longer being used in war or that it was just a thing of the past, but it is still happening in Canada and abroad,” said Jordan Reichert of the Animal Alliance of Canada.
In World War 1, over eight million horses and another eight million other animals were killed, one for every two human soldiers that were killed.
According to the Animal Alliance of Canada’s website, the campaign is a complementary or alternative to the red poppy of the Royal Canadian Legion. It is in no way to undermine or reject the red poppy and it’s symbolism of human lives who served in the war, but a way to recognize the significant loss of animal life that is not represented in the symbol or ceremony of the red poppy.
It is also indicated that the purple poppy offers an important distinction between animals being labeled as heroes, but as victims, as animals did not have a choice to abstain from war.
“Animals had and continue to have no choice when it comes to their participation in war. The purple poppy campaign rejects the glorification of animals in war or labelling them as heroes. They are victims,” said Reichert.
People looking to learn more about purple poppies or looking to purchase one can go to the website here.
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