A special symbol of remembrance from Australia has reached Washington, D.C., with an AWAMO Purple Poppy Sash featured at the 2026 Purple Poppy Awards on 17 September.
The sash was created and provided by Rachel Ezzy, Director of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. One of two horses from the U.S. Park Police Stables greeting guests at the event wore her tribute.
The handmade purple poppies carry a message that sits at the heart of AWAMO: the animals who serve beside us deserve to be remembered.
Seeing the sash worn in Washington, D.C. gave that Australian tribute a place in an international gathering honouring service animals. It was a meaningful connection between people who share a commitment to recognising their contribution.
For AWAMO, this moment is about more than a sash crossing the Pacific. It is about keeping the service of animals in view and encouraging others to remember the part they play alongside people.
The two U.S. Park Police horses brought that connection into the event itself, greeting guests as recognition of service animals brought people together.
AWAMO extends a special thank you to Susan Bahary, Founder of the National Service Animals Monument, for sharing these photographs and for her ongoing partnership.
We also thank Rachel Ezzy for creating and providing a tribute that carried AWAMO’s message of remembrance from Australia to Washington, D.C.
Across nations and generations, their service deserves to be remembered.
