21 Dove salute for our Anzacs
Thu 24 April 2008
Dave Keevers, Bachelor of Journalism
The Australians who have served will be honoured on Anzac Day by the release of 21 white doves from under the Australian flag, symbolising the 21 gun salute.
Secretary of the Maroochydore RSL sub-branch John Gavin said the Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia to release doves during Anzac Day celebrations.
“We are releasing the 21 beautiful white doves as a salute to all the men and women who have and are making the supreme sacrifice for their country,” Mr Gavin said.
White doves have been released at both the Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies on the Sunshine Coast for the last five or six years, Mr Gavin said.
“It’s a pretty solemn service, we have prayer, the bugle, wreath laying and a piper and to finish with the birds it releases some of the solemness.”
After the wreath laying ceremony the doves are released while I read a story about pigeons during the war, he said.
Ceremonial Doves of Rosemount trainer Vicki Brogan releases the doves for the Anzac Day ceremony and said she started doing it to remember those who had served and to add happiness to the day.
“My grandfather was in the war and my husband is a Vietnam veteran, it is important … so people know the cost of war,” Mrs Brogan said.
“Seeing the 21 white doves released as a beautiful conclusion to the Anzac Day service is truly beautiful, everyone there on the day, whether adults or children, feel and appreciate the beauty of the white dove. You only have to watch their faces.” 
The 21 pure white doves symbolise the 21 gun salute used in military ceremonies, Mrs Brogan said.
“It’s an extremely small thing that I do, but it means so much to those who experience the dove release each year.”
“I place them in a cage, covered by the Australian flag. When I open the door they fly out in order across the area beneath the Australian flag,” she said.
Birds also used in war
Pigeons were credited with saving many lives during both World Wars.
In World War II the Dicken Medal was established, with 32 pigeons awarded the medal in 1943 in recognition of outstanding services.
At least two Australian pigeons attached to the Australian military have received the Dicken Medal.
Homing pigeons were commonly used for communications during both World Wars, with each Australian platoon being issued with one pigeon in World War II.
“Australia was the only country to lose any pigeons because the soldiers got hungry and ate them, it was not until a crash the troops realised their value,” Mrs Brogan said.
“Because of their mobility pigeons could be given to advanced parties, helping save many an allied soldier,” Mr Gavin said.
“There are two pigeons on display in the Australian War Museum in Canberra with their numbers and history provided beside them,” Mrs Brogan said.
Pigeons performed a vital service in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1942 as the Japanese retreated along the Kokoda track.
Australian pigeon owners donated 13,500 pigeons in 1942 to PNG, helping Australian soldiers communicate in the difficult terrain.
Image(s) designed by Dave Keevers
Enter comments about this article
Submitted Comments
Responding to the comment Secretary of the Maroochydore RSL sub-branch John Gavin said the Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia to release doves during Anzac Day celebrations."
For the past 6 years White Doves have been released at Manly (Sydney's Northern Beaches) Anzac Commemorations and due to the increasing popularity, I wouldn't be surprised if doves are also released at other Anzac commemorations around Australia too.
Tamara