Millions of animals have suffered and died in wars. Their sacrifice goes unrecognised. Like the Australian and New Zealand governments we want the UK government and national assemblies to recognise February 24 every year as International War Animal Remembrance Day. For example, eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War alone. They were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front; dogs were used to carry messages in the trenches and cats to kill the rats that thrived in such appalling conditions. On Armistice Sunday we rightly remember the men and women who have fought and died for us. It’s only right that on one day of the year the world comes together to remember animal service and sacrifice too. We would like to see February 24 become a national day when people wear purple poppies as a powerful and poignant symbol of their endurance and loss.