The poppy has a great significance to it throughout the world. Everyone is encouraged to wear one on November 11th.
The Unknown Soldier’s Grave
Poppies are placed on the Unknown Soldiers grave in several different countries. But in Australia some staffers found that the poppies were disappearing one by one.
A Little Detective Work
It didn’t take the workers long to find out who the culprit was. All it took was keeping an eye on one particular pigeon.
The Pigeon Builds a Nest
Pigeons will look for all different types of material to build their nest. This particular one took a fancy to the red poppies and was building her entire nest from those that were being placed on the Unknown Soldiers grave.
A Beautiful Site
Not only did the poppies make a stunning looking nest it was where the pigeon constructed it that make it even more inspiring.
The Choice of Window
Ironically the window that the pigeon chose is the window that commemorates the wounded soldier which symbolizes the quality of endurance
The Symbolization
The pigeon building her nest here acts as a reminder of the connection that soldiers have with beasts on the battlefield.
The pigeon built the nest right by a stained glass window that was part of the War Memorial
Perfect Timing
The building of this nest led up to that most important day November 11th where soldiers are honored.
The Pigeons Role During War Time
Pigeons played an important role during both world war 1 and ll as well as other wards. The carrier pigeons were used to deliver messages behind the lines of the soldiers. Their task was dangerous and the enemy would often try to catch the birds to retrieve the messages that they were carrying.
Against the Law To Shoot them
The Mocker
This was a very famous pigeon that flew fifty-two missions.
Cher Ami
Yet another pigeon who diligently served during the war. As a result, she lost a foot and an eye. She still got her message through and as a result, a large infantry of soldiers was saved.
Remembrance Day Poppy
Most are familiar with the artificial red poppy and what it signifies. The money raised by the sale of the Poppys goes to supporting the veterans and their families as well as other war-related events.
Poppy Day
This special day was created by Madame Guerin who had been raising money for the same causes that the poppy serves today.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
There were many soldiers who were killed in different wars that were never identified. In order for them not to be forgotten many nations have monuments named for the Unknown soldier. Quite often the encryption that will be found on these monuments is “unknown but to God”.
The list of countries that have a monument dedicated to the unknown soldier is a long one.
The pigeons that roam freely today are often considered to be a nuisance. However, the next time you see one you now have something to ponder on which may give you an increased appreciation for this particular bird.
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