The Purple Poppy®

The Initiative

In 2003, Nigel Allsopp, President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organization (AWAMO) established the wearing of a purple poppy to commemorate the deeds and sacrifices made by war animals. He championed support to wear it alongside the traditional Red poppy honoring service men and women, as a reminder that both humans and animals have made and continue to make, sacrifices as they serve in the name of freedom.

In 2017, with the support from the Australian Federal Parliament, February 24 was established as Service Animals Day. The Purple Poppy® Initiative soon spread internationally to Great Britain, Canada, France, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States, all of which now recognize February 24th and the Purple Poppy, honoring service animals and celebrating the human-animal bond.

The Pin

Introducing the exclusive U.S. version of the international symbol for honoring service animals, the Purple Poppy pin, as designed by acclaimed sculptor, Susan Bahary.

The Purple Poppy remembers animals and their handlers who have died or continue to serve in the military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and as assistance animals. 

Wear Your Support

With your donation of $50* or more to the National Service Animals Memorial, we will send you 2 free Purple Poppy Pins!

*To cover postage outside of the U.S., international donors who give $65 or more will receive 2 Purple Poppy Pins.

Wear your pin proudly and help raise awareness and support for all service animals and their handlers.  Your donation will support the National Service Animals Memorial Corporation as we work to create the memorial in Washington, D.C. or its environs.