Remembrance/Veterans Day: A Memorial to the Animals that Served

November 11 is Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada. Kristina Disney is with us to share a different slant on this memorial holiday that commemorates the animals that served alongside humans, as well as wildlife that has been affected by war. It’s a perspective that is often forgotten, says Kristina, since we as humans rarely contemplate the effects of war that alter the lives of other species. She offers a look at how different wars, including World War I and World War II, have affected wildlife populations through their impact on ecosystems—sometimes with long-term effects lasting a century or more—examining the resilience of nature and the rebound of species. She will also share some moving stories of exceptional animals that actively participated in war efforts, illustrating the integration between humans and animals, and the notion that we take more than just our individual selves when we go to war—whole ecosystems are marshaled and affected. We hope today’s webinar will be a special way to honor those we have lost, including animal companions and wildlife that unwittingly gave their lives to war.


Originally presented November 11, 2021

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