YANCO Agricultural High School has put its war-time history and love of horses together for a unique project.
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The Australian War Animal Memorial Organization (AWAMO) invited schools to participate in supporting the opening ceremony of Australia’s official war animal memorial at Pozieres, France on July 21
The idea of the memorial was show the nation cared for all the deeds and sacrifices these many thousands of Australian war horses, mules, donkeys, pigeons and dogs undertook during World War 1.
The AWAMO suggested schools make purple poppies for this ceremony and that’s where Yanco Agricultural High School jumped on board.
“The school community has participated in this activity producing four horrse garlands with about 48 knitted and crocheted poppies sown on each garland,” YAHS business/services manager Bruce Hammond said.
“Some knitted poppies were even posted from school family members in Sydney.
“Equestrian students were proud to bring their horses to the school war memorial to wear the garlands and remember all war animals.”
The garlands have now been sent to the AWAMO prior to the ceremony at Pozieres, France.
YAHS matron Liz McGregor was a driving force behind the project after she knitted poppies for centenary commemorations of WW1. During its history, YAHS had students and their family members fight in wars and honours these sacrifices each year during Anzac Day and other opportunities to do so.