Pigeon Builds A Nest After Stealing Poppies From An Unknown Soldier’s Grave
Since early October, the staff of the Australian War Memorial located in Canberra has noticed a strange incident. For a while, the poppies from an unknown soldier’s grave have been disappearing one by one. It took them some time to figure out the culprit which turned out to be a pigeon. The bird has been picking the flowers from the tomb to build a stunning, colorful nest by a stained glass window at the war memorial. The beautiful nest lead-up to Remembrance Day commemorations that are held on November 11th.
Recently the staff of the Australian War Memorial noticed a pigeon who made a nest out of poppies stolen from the tomb of an unknown soldier
Image credits: The Australian War Memorial
Image credits: The Australian War Memorial
Image credits: The Australian War Memorial
The war memorial told Sydney Morning Herald that the stained glass window which was accidentally chosen by the bird commemorates the wounded soldier, which symbolizes the quality of “endurance”, and the nest of poppies nearby was a “reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield”.
Image credits: Travis
These days, pigeons may be considered to be very unpleasant birds, but throughout history, they have been useful allies during battle.
Image credits: denisbin
“Particularly in the early wars, communication is really difficult. Wireless is in its absolute infancy in the First World War and telephone wires get broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front. So pigeons are particularly of use in warfare when you’ve got a couple of men trying to get a message from where they are back to the backline; a pigeon can get that through sometimes when nothing else can, ” historian Dr. Meleah Hampton said.
Image credits: Mike
During World War II, 32 pigeons received The PDSA Dickin Medal which is awarded to any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
Image credits: Edward Dalmulder
One of the most memorable instances of a pigeon on duty, the one named ‘White Vision’ who received the medal for “delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an aircrew while serving with the RAF in October 1943”.
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That pigeon has good taste. She has a palace with a stained glass window and a red bedroom. And she doesn't have to look at the bird of prey in next window.
"The tomb of an unknown soldier". Wow, so much sadness in this phrase alone. (Not trying to criticize here, just an observation.)
I think that is what the name is supposed to do. To let us remember all the forgotten men (and pigeons) who gave their lives so we may live free and in peace. The World Wars always make me sad when I think about it.
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It is sad that the pigeon has no - or extremely limited- access to natural bedding. [waits for the down votes.]___________I kind of hated visiting this place , the whole thing is just too damn sad. And yes we need to remember and avoid war! The unknown soldier represents those who were " missing in action presumed dead " because the war zones were a huge mess, and many soldiers' bodies where un-findable, or un recognizable. 11th November = Remembrance Day is sometimes called Poppy Day in the Commonwealth countries. Recognizing the end of world war 1.
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From the tomb of the unknown soldier to the window of the wounded soldier for a birthing chamber for new life of one of the creatures that were used to try and keep soldiers alive during the war by carrying messages - so much poetry in all that, makes me weep! I sincerely hope they NEVER get rid of the nest and do all they can to help this little pigeon!
I think it's poetic. From death comes new life. Life is stronger than death. Above all it's beautiful! The peaceful dove nesting among the red flowers of death remembered.
That, to me, is a compliment! Turning something so sad, into a happy, heartwarming story. That pigeon got it just right!
I would be pretty happy if birds made their nests out of flowers left by my grave. =)
I've placed poppies on that wall for my relatives, and I love seeing them reused to promote new life, just as they are used to remember the dead
Notice the nasty spikes designed to keep pigeons off those ledges. I'd have preferred to sleep on those flowers too in the pigeon's stead.
I believe the unknown soldier, looks down and adores the pigeon, and he doesn't mind his flowers being used for the nest, he may admire the pigeons, for their contribution !!!
That pigeon has good taste. She has a palace with a stained glass window and a red bedroom. And she doesn't have to look at the bird of prey in next window.
"The tomb of an unknown soldier". Wow, so much sadness in this phrase alone. (Not trying to criticize here, just an observation.)
I think that is what the name is supposed to do. To let us remember all the forgotten men (and pigeons) who gave their lives so we may live free and in peace. The World Wars always make me sad when I think about it.
Load More Replies... It is sad that the pigeon has no - or extremely limited- access to natural bedding. [waits for the down votes.]___________I kind of hated visiting this place , the whole thing is just too damn sad. And yes we need to remember and avoid war! The unknown soldier represents those who were " missing in action presumed dead " because the war zones were a huge mess, and many soldiers' bodies where un-findable, or un recognizable. 11th November = Remembrance Day is sometimes called Poppy Day in the Commonwealth countries. Recognizing the end of world war 1.
Load More Replies... From the tomb of the unknown soldier to the window of the wounded soldier for a birthing chamber for new life of one of the creatures that were used to try and keep soldiers alive during the war by carrying messages - so much poetry in all that, makes me weep! I sincerely hope they NEVER get rid of the nest and do all they can to help this little pigeon!
I think it's poetic. From death comes new life. Life is stronger than death. Above all it's beautiful! The peaceful dove nesting among the red flowers of death remembered.
That, to me, is a compliment! Turning something so sad, into a happy, heartwarming story. That pigeon got it just right!
I would be pretty happy if birds made their nests out of flowers left by my grave. =)
I've placed poppies on that wall for my relatives, and I love seeing them reused to promote new life, just as they are used to remember the dead
Notice the nasty spikes designed to keep pigeons off those ledges. I'd have preferred to sleep on those flowers too in the pigeon's stead.
I believe the unknown soldier, looks down and adores the pigeon, and he doesn't mind his flowers being used for the nest, he may admire the pigeons, for their contribution !!!
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