A group of Bushmead/Barnfield residents held an Animal Aid stall in the Luton Town centre on Saturday 29th October to sell Purple Poppies to the shoppers and collected nearly £80.
WHAT IS THE PURPLE POPPY FOR?
For people not familiar with Purple Poppies here’s an explanation from Animal Aid:
“While millions of animals have lost their lives in humans’ wars, they are rarely mentioned in remembrance ceremonies. National campaign group Animal Aid aims to rectify this and has this week issued a purple poppy to commemorate the animal victims of war.
Historically, animals have been used as messengers, for detection, scouting and rescue, as beasts of burden and on the frontline. In more recent times, scientists have wired electrodes into the brains of rats to harness their keen sense of smell, and the armed forces have trained dolphins and seals to detect both mines and intruders below the waves.
Says Animal Aid Head of Campaigns, Kate Fowler-Reeves:
‘For years we have commemorated the human victims of war and overlooked the impact that worldwide conflicts have had on animals. Now, it’s time to redress the balance. By wearing a purple poppy – alongside the traditional red one – we will finally be acknowledging that millions of animals have been drafted into conflicts not of their making and have lost their lives as a result. Remembering them is the least we can do.’”
For further information about Animal Aid go to: http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/pr_other/ALL/1689//
Filed under: Purple Poppy Day
