Honouring service on four legs: NT marks first Purple Poppy Day
Territorians came together for a meaningful and heart-warming event as the Northern Territory recognised Purple Poppy Day for the first time on Saturday, 22 February.
Hosted at Mates4Mates, the event was a collaborative effort between Library & Archives NT and Veterans Engagement and Support, celebrating the often-unsung contributions of animals in military service.
Purple Poppy Day honours the courage, loyalty, and sacrifice of animals who have served alongside defence personnel, both in times of conflict and peace.
Visitors were treated to a special appearance by military working dogs from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army, who quickly became the stars of the day, earning plenty of pats and admiration from the crowd.
One of the event highlights was the captivating story of Gunner, a wartime kelpie renowned for his uncanny ability to detect incoming aircraft during the bombing of Darwin in 1942. Gunner not only sensed approaching planes but could distinguish between allied and enemy aircraft, earning him a special place in local military history.
A reflective service was led by RAAF Chaplain Karen Haynes, accompanied by her support dog Connie, and there were plenty of family-friendly activities, including colouring-in stations and DIY Purple Poppy badge-making for children.
The Purple Poppy is designed to be worn alongside the traditional red poppy, symbolising the enduring bond between humans and animals in service. Purple Poppy Day is commemorated annually on 24 February, providing an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles that animals continue to play in supporting our defence forces.
