A pigeon stole poppies from the grave of an unknown soldier for a very noble purpose
A pigeon stole poppies from the grave of an unknown soldier for a very noble purpose

Video: A pigeon stole poppies from the grave of an unknown soldier for a very noble purpose

Video: A pigeon stole poppies from the grave of an unknown soldier for a very noble purpose
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For most people, a pigeon is by no means a bird of the world, but rather a "rat with wings." Pigeons are stupid birds that spread the infection. This is their reputation. This is partly true. But it's not that simple. Members of the Australian War Memorial have likely reconsidered their opinion of pigeons after a recent incident.

In early October, staff at the Canberra War Memorial noticed something strange. One by one, poppies began to disappear from the grave of the unknown soldier. Imagine their surprise when the culprit was found. It turned out to be … Dove! The bird decided to build a nest for itself. She really liked the beautiful bright red poppies. The Australian War Memorial is one of the grandest structures of its kind in the world. This is a whole architectural complex, which consists of a Hall of Memory, a small courtyard with a memorial pool and an eternal flame in the center. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a variety of plants. The main focus is on rosemary - since ancient times it has been considered a symbol of memory.

Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial

There are many sculptures in the park around the memorial building. The most important of the Australians is the sculpture of the Australian soldier. It was erected in memory of the hard times of World War II. The memorial building is two-story. There are so many military exhibits from different times stored within its walls that a day will not be enough to inspect all these "riches". The research center and theater are located on the ground floor of the building. Temporary exhibitions are held here.

This memorial is one of the most magnificent buildings of this kind
This memorial is one of the most magnificent buildings of this kind

The museum in the building of the memorial occupies several halls. The second floor is dedicated to two wars: the western wing - the First World War, the eastern one - the Second World War. The Aviation Hall is located in the center. Several aircraft that participated in the battles are on display in it. There is also the Hall of Valor. Here are collected the Victoria Crosses - the largest collection in the whole world (61 exhibits). Near each award there is a photograph of the soldier who received it, as well as excerpts from the award documents (where it is indicated for what it was received).

Soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross
Soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross

The annex on the top floor is the ANZAC room. A collection of heavy weapons was located there: German aircraft, a Japanese submarine, and so on.

War plane
War plane

The Hall of Memory is an octagonal high chapel, the top of which is crowned with a large dome. The walls of the chapel are decorated with fine mosaics, and the windows are decorated with stained-glass windows. The interior of the Hall of Memory is entirely the work of the local artist Napier Waller. During the First World War, he lost his right arm at the front. He had to learn to make all the stained-glass windows and mosaics with his left hand. He finished work in 1958. Ceremonies are held within the chapel on memorable dates for the country.

Dome in the Hall of Memory
Dome in the Hall of Memory
Stained-glass windows in the Hall of Memory
Stained-glass windows in the Hall of Memory

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the chapel of the Hall of Memory. It is from this grave that the poppies for the nest so liked the dove. And the pigeon chose a very eloquent place for the nest - a stained glass window depicting a wounded soldier. People found this to be highly symbolic. Since during both the First and Second World Wars, pigeons turned out to be simply irreplaceable helpers for the soldiers.

The pigeon chose a stained glass window depicting a wounded soldier
The pigeon chose a stained glass window depicting a wounded soldier

Representatives of the pigeon family are not as simple, in fact, as they seem. They have many very useful and curious qualities. For example, they have an excellent memory, they even know how to distinguish the faces of people. And their almost legendary ability to find their way home! Since ancient times, people have used pigeons to deliver mail. Especially when the correspondence was secret. The abilities of pigeons helped people more than once in wartime. Homing pigeons worked faster than the telegraph and transmitted messages with their help. When the First World War was going on and Paris was besieged, pigeons were evacuated from the city with the help of balloons. Of course, birds were not less endangered than people, many died. After they were even awarded medals.

A dove in its nest of red poppies
A dove in its nest of red poppies

During World War II, 32 pigeons received the PDSA Dickin Medal, which is awarded to any animal that has demonstrated outstanding ability and dedication to duty. One of the most memorable examples is a carrier pigeon named "White Vision", which received a medal for "delivering a message in extremely difficult conditions and helping to rescue a crew while serving in the Air Force in October 1943." If you are fascinated by this story, read another our article on a similar topic. Based on materials

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