I was honored to create and attend my War Animals Memorial unveiling of “Soaring Spirit” Oct. 21st, 2017 in Queensland, Australia at the stunningly beautiful and historic State’s Heritage Rose Garden at Newtown Park in the historic and garden city of Toowoomba. This honors the service and sacrifice of all Australian war animals and human in WWI, 100 years later, and the animal human bond. Thank you Australian War Animals Organisation for another stunning and memorable ceremony! The rain did not dampen the spirits of the many attendees. It made it all that more poignant that we could certainly withstand the rain if the brave soldiers of WWI and their animals could withstand the mud ,cold and terrible conditions a century before us.

The establishment of a War Animal Rose Garden in Toowoomba, acts as Queensland’s official war animal memorial as envisaged by the Queensland Premiers Office. The format to honor them and the men and women that cared, rode, handled or maintained them is in the form of up to 50 purple war animal roses. Within the middle of the garden is the a sandstone plinth upon which “ Soaring Spirit sits, with a plaque denoting the animals of war. This garden acts as a focal point for members of the public to honor the contributions animals have made for the nation.

Animals from all sides worked alongside the troops as beasts of burden as, messengers, ambulance carriers and as comrades. Animals were used by all sides often forced into service; they had no malice and worked tirelessly alongside their master no matter what nation they served. These animals demonstrated true valor and an enduring partnership with humans, the bond was unbreakable, and their sacrifice was great.

To learn more about the roles of War Animals throughout history, please visit The National Service Animals Monument Website