ON WINGS OF WAR


© Joy Butler
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Jul 27, 2001


War memorials in Belgium and France stand in remembrance of military pigeons and their fanciers who gave their lives in war. Cher Ami was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre" with Palm. He died in 1919 and was inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931 and received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers. His body is to be displayed at the National Museum of American History in the Armed Forces History Hall. The Dickin Medal for Valor, a distinguished animal award, was bestowed upon 31 World War II pigeons, including GI Joe and White Vision.

Today, in remote areas, pigeons still make life-saving deliveries of medications. In cities they contribute a touch of nature. Their antics and cooing have a calming effect on spectators as they clean up waste and eat weed seeds. Mating for life, they are very affectionate and attentive to their mate and share the care of their young; quite a role model for society.

Throughout history, these flying heroes have been used in mankind's wars, yet they remain a symbol of peace.


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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
6.   Sep 1, 2001 9:09 AM
Hi Joy,

As usual, you did a superb job of explaining the invaluable jobs pigeons -- so often thought of as pests -- did in wartime. Five plus stars! ...

-- posted by JoyceEberly
5.   Aug 1, 2001 6:58 AM
first started reading I was wondering what war had to do with your topic. Now I know. What a wonderful story about GI Joe.

These birds have always intrigued me; I remember wanting one as a kid. ...

-- posted by jerrib
4.   Jul 30, 2001 7:12 AM
Joy, what a touching article. These birds are definitely heroes and I salute them. When we speak of veterans, we think of men, women and canines. Thanks so much for reminding us that these wonderfu ...

-- posted by Red
3.   Jul 28, 2001 6:13 PM
I learned so much from your article. I had no idea pigeons were still used to carry medicines, and I didn't know they mated for life. You're right, humans could learn a lot from pigeons about being ...

-- posted by SWALKER0
2.   Jul 27, 2001 3:04 PM
Hi Joy, what a wonderful article! So true about the pigeons of war. I remember them being used in Hungary. In fact, when my grandfather was hiding, he sent us a message with a homing pigeon, tellin ...

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt



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