The origin of the purple poppy

While most of us are familiar with the traditional red poppy worn on Anzac Day (April 25th) and Remembrance Day (November 11th) to commemorate the lives lost during wartime, did you know the meaning behind the purple poppy?

First issued in 2006 in the UK, the purple poppy was designed to replicate the red poppy and commemorate the service of animals during wartime.

In 2013 the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation introduced the purple poppy into Australia. The purple and red poppies are intended to be worn side by side as a reminder of how people and animals have fought and served together.

As an organisation, Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs fully support our clients or carers with one of our dogs having them wear a purple poppy as a sign of remembrance.

Funds raised from the purchase of purple poppies goes towards construction of memorials as well as funding for organisations that provide care and training for assistance animals that support soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).