The 11th day of November is Remembrance Day here in Canada. A day where we all remember the men, women and animals that fought for us so we could live free. We owe our lifestyle to these brave men, women and animals. Some died, some were physically scarred and all would never be the same again. War takes a hefty toll but these great heroes faced evil incarnate for the rest of us. We are humbled by their loyalty to our country.
Along with horses and dogs, the list of types of animals employed in war is extensive, from birds and rodents sent into tunnels to detect poisonous gas to donkeys, reindeer and elephants used to carry heavy loads. Animals have also been kept by military units as pets and mascots, offering comfort and companionship and helping to boost morale among troops. Cats have often fallen into this category, though they have also served by catching rats on ships and carrying messages around their necks onto the battlefield.
Individual animals have also been honoured. The Dickin Medal, also known as the animals’ Victoria Cross, was established in 1943 to recognize animals who had shown “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units.” From 1943 to 1949, 54 animals received the medal. Amongst them were dogs, horses and one cat, but the majority of recipients were carrier pigeons. With a good sense of direction and the ability to fly up to 100 kilometres an hour, these animals flew through difficult weather conditions and direct gunfire to deliver important messages, saving lives as a result.
The two preceding paragraphs are quotes from the BCSPCA Newsletter.
During the 11th. month of the 11th. day of the 11th. hour we cease all activity and chatter, bow our heads for 1 minute and honour those that have given the supreme sacrifice for us.
The Canadian Cats 
I will remember all people and pets who were thre to protect us… and I send a big hug to all families who lost a beloved one… Your photos are great, girls in uniform have a super special cattitude :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Easy. I cannot imagine just how much guts it took for those men, women and animals to work under such conditions.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali
LikeLike
Lovely tribute. …and those hats! Awesome!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali
LikeLike
Beautiful and thoughtful tribute sweethearts..great photos and indeed lest we forget…loves an awol Fozziemum xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
FM, This is certainly a most humbling day for our family. Just to think these men, women and animals fought for US…someone they didn’t even know would exist. That is a big WOW!
Kitty kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
Beautiful tribute ladies! Thanks so much for sharing! You look wonderful in your hats!
Luvs
Marty
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friends.
Kitty kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
❤
LikeLike
Thanks my friend.
Kitty kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Same here. 🙂
LikeLike
Overwhelming, isn’t it? We have so much to be grateful for my friend.
Kitty kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
It’s pretty hard not to think of those that have led the way for our passive lifestyle.
Shoko
LikeLike
Beautiful posting my friends. Most excellent. We will remember *all* those that sacrificed. ❤ XOXO – Bacon
LikeLike
Thank you Bacon and family. We are so fortunate.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLiked by 1 person
The link about how all the different animals helped was super. Almost makes me not want to be a ratter – not that I have ever had a chance to catch one, BOL! Love your hats, Kali and Shoko. You look very official. It just so happened that we finished reading your post at exactly 11:00, so Mom bowed her head and said a prayer for all the brave animals and people who keep our countries free.
LikeLike
kali & shoko….a total lee awesum post; manee thanx two all de veterans who have served R countriez…..de food servizz gurls family haz had family memberz who served bak two WW2; and her gram paw hada war dog; peter who served aza messenger ♥♥♥
LikeLike
It’s amazing the lengths that these heroes accomplished. The one thought to survive.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
Shoko’s hat badge is for the same corps I served in the 60’s, The Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Dad.
LikeLike
wonderful tribute,xx Speedy
LikeLike
Thank you Speedy.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
What a pawsum posty girls. We luv yous fotos. And we fank all those who served as well.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
LikeLike
This posty makes us wonder what the peeps and animals were like to talk with. I guess they were just ordinary peeps and pets like us, Dezi. I could never imagine me taking a message to the front lines.
Kitty kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep Shoko, they were. But twyin’ to magine duin’ dat is well unimaginable. We fink of them as heroes and us as ordinary. But dat’s what a hero is, an ordinary sumpawdy/animal dat duz sumfin’ extwaordinary. May God keep us all safe from harm and bless us all.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
LikeLike
Hey, I think you’re right Dezi. Before the war or armed conflict they were probably going about doing their thing just like us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep Shoko, we magin they were. Altho’ we can’t magin’ duin’ what they did, you never know what you might have to do in yous life. Me wulda never fawt me wuld be a Service kitty, but me kuldn’t magin’ any udder life. Sis Lexi sez da same fing. Weez all heroes to sumpawdy. We bet yous mommy finks you and Kali awe her heroes. You help her in lots of ways dat sumtimes yous not even fink ’bout. Mommy sez dat our very purr is a gweat comfurt to her. and weez bet yous mommy finks da same fing. Y’all awe special, weez just won’t be gettin’ into da history books. But dat’s okay, right?. 🙂
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
LikeLike
Purrs to your veterans.
LikeLike
All vets…oh my COD! I mean veterans are individuals first and then members of the Armed Forces.
To our heroes…*lifts glass of lemon nip*.
Shoko
LikeLike
We thank the veterans of all our allied countries.
LikeLike
To say ditto sounds smart alecky but together we are stronger my friend.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike
You guys look great in those hats. Happy Remembrance Day. Here it’s Veterans Day. Same thing, really. We thank all those who have served their countries.
LikeLike
Together our countries are stronger.
Shoko
LikeLike
Excellent post and you both look so adorable.
LikeLike
Thank you my friend.
Shoko
LikeLike
Pawsome post. I was really glad to see “Able Seaman Simon” the cat on that link. We have a replica of him on our boat, and under his base is his whole story…very touching. Those hats really suit both of you. =^,,^=
LikeLike
It would be great to have a replica of Simon! He did so much for us all.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali and Shoko
LikeLike