A COVENTRY City Councillor has announced he will be laying a purple wreath at next Sunday’s remembrance Sunday service to remember and honour the heroic animals that served during all conflicts.
Coun John McNicholas and his wife Dr June McNicholas are both animal lovers and have dedicated the last three years to acknowledging the role they played in wars past and present.
They will lay the wreath at War Memorial Park on Sunday, November 12.
Coun McNicholas laid the city’s first purple poppies as Lord Mayor in 2021 and last year held a special service dedicated to serving animals at the War Memorial Park peace garden.
During that service, a purple poppy wreath was laid alongside a plaque in memory of all the animals who gave their lives in wars since 1914.
Coun McNicholas said he had hoped to hold a similar service this year, but personal circumstances meant he was unable to organise it.
The purple poppy was introduced in 2006 by the charity Animal Aid, which felt animals who died in wars, mostly horses and dogs, should not be forgotten.
The appeal has since been adopted by the Murphy’s Army charity, which has since raised thousands of pounds for causes including K9 Heroes, The Horse Trust and Fireside K9.
