Tales of Animals in War
This year in Tales of Animals in War 2022, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals are in Ottawa and learn about various remembrance symbols around town, like commemorative street banners.
Take Time to Remember is an introduction to Tales of Animals in War.
Every year since 2006, six animal characters from the Remembrance Clubhouse have presented a fresh edition of Tales of Animals in War, to introduce young readers to the concept of remembrance in a non-threatening manner. For example, in:
2021, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals went to a local military museum.
2020, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals attended the annual Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands and shared on various remembrance activities they have seen in Canada and overseas.
2019, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals learn more about our country's military history through a train trip across Canada.
2018, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals participated in a Heritage Fair and presented projects on Canadian military history and Remembrance.
2017, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals celebrated Canada's 150th anniversary and learned more about humans' experiences during times of war and military conflict.
2016, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals travelled to France. They took a voyage of remembrance there to visit the powerful war memorials at Beaumont-Hamel and Vimy Ridge.
2015, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals visited Halifax, Nova Scotia. They were there to greet a Canadian military ship returning from a mission overseas, and they also learned all about the many different means of transportation in times of war.
2014, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals visited the National War Memorial, in Ottawa, which has been rededicated to the memory of Canadians who fought for our country in every conflict. The Remembrance Clubhouse animals also learned about military cap badges.
2013, the animals visited the Dedication to Animals in War in Ottawa, and shared amazing stories about animals and their handlers in times of war and conflict.
2012, Remembrance Clubhouse members planned to grow a remembrance and peace garden, and learned about plants and flowers as symbols of remembrance!
2011, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals explored the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber within the Parliament Buildings and discovered an Archway of Remembrance devoted to animals who served in war;
2010, the Remembrance Clubhouse animals embarked on a cross-Canada road trip. Through their amazing journey, they visited places of remembrance in every province and territory. They even created the 'Which Way to Remembrance' Boardgame as part of that year's edition;
2009, Remembrance Clubhouse animals travelled overseas to visit important Canadian remembrance-related places and decided to organize a remembrance ceremony of their own to pay tribute to those who have served;
2008, the paper explored the military history and heritage that surrounds each of them in their home communities;
2007, the animals introduced the symbols of remembrance;
2006, the animals shared the stories of their relatives' contributions to Canada's war efforts, and a special Tales of Animals in War Poster, [PDF version], was created with facts relating to the roles of animals in war;
Canada Remembers Times
Take Time to Remember
Postcards for Peace
Veterans' Week Learning Resources
Exploring the Newspaper
Acrostic Poem
Expert Groups Poster
Remembrance Bingo
Answers to Newspaper Activities
The purpose of Tales of Animals in War, and the focus on animals, is for youth to examine the history and stories of animals in war and during peace support missions. Animals have served in battle, saved lives, pulled ambulances, hauled heavy weapons, delivered messages, sniffed out bombs and were loyal friends. The animals' stories demonstrate not only their service for us, our peace, and our freedom, but also highlight the important and continuing partnership between humans and animals.
After having used the newspaper students should:
develop knowledge about the various roles taken on by animals during times of war, conflict, and peace;
begin to understand the concepts of remembrance and citizenship;
begin to develop attitudes about the way they think or feel about those who have served and/or have been affected by war, eg. empathy, pride, respect;
become active in remembrance activities at home, at school, and in the community; and
improve their reading, listening, and writing skills.
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