On Monday 23rd August 2021, a service was held to commemorate National War Animal Day, which recognises all animals who have given service and sacrifice. The service was arranged by the War Horse Memorial and took place besides “Poppy”, the magnificent war horse statue, which graces Heatherwood Roundabout and is a permanent memorial to the horses, mules and donkeys who lost their lives in the First World War.
The symbol for the day was the purple poppy and, despite coronavirus restrictions, thousands of pin badges and knitted poppies for people and animals to wear have been sold by supporters.
A reception followed at Ascot Racecourse which was attended by guests and celebrities including the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, representatives from the Household Cavalry Foundation and Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery who delighted everyone with his singing. Other distinguished guests included representatives of the Donkey Breed Society, The Horse Trust, Blue Acre Horse Rescue and Mane Chance founding Director Jenny Seagrove, the stage and screen actress.
The War Horse Memorial continue to raise funds for many charities and should you wish to support, the “Animal Purple Poppy Fund” continues into the autumn. For more information, visit https://thewarhorsememorial.org/
