25/04/2026
ANZAC DAY 2026. Let’s take a moment to remember our fallen heroes, acknowledge the sacrifices made, and commit to carrying forward the values of compassion, respect, service and community in their honour.
At this morning’s Manly Dam dawn service, we learnt about Mary of Exeter, a famous World War II pigeon who aided the Resistance. Mary was a renowned recipient of the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) for her bravery in delivering top-secret messages from occupied France.
Mary was known as the “bird who never gave up” and flew perilous missions across the English Channel. She was seriously injured on 3 of her 4 main flights, suffering injuries from shrapnel, shotgun pellets, and enemy falcons.
Remarkably, her owner, a shoemaker, stitched her up after missions and even fashioned a special leather support for her neck to help her fly again! Pigeons were released again after the service in their honour ♥️
