Animals on parade in Britain to honor bravery

LONDON - Dogs along with a cat, horse and pigeon proudly lined up in front of military top brass in Britain to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the highest honor, the Dickin Medal, given to animals for acts of bravery.

The medal equates to the Victoria Cross, the prestigious and highest honor any human member of the armed services in Britain can receive.

Among them gathered at the Imperial War Museum in London on Thursday was Mali, the only living holder of the medal. It was presented a year ago to the German Shepherd dog for extraordinary service in Afghanistan. He proudly wore his bronze medal, inscribed with the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" all within a laurel wreath.

The event was held to honor all animals "who also serve" in the armed forces of Britain.

The award was created by Maria Dickin, founder of the animal charity PDSA to officially recognize animals whose actions have saved lives despite being faced by extraordinary danger. Since then it has been awarded to 72 animals.

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, said: "We honor the animals who also serve, those noble creatures whose skill and courage have saved countless military and civilian lives. The face of armed conflict has changed beyond recognition over the last 75 years, yet we rely on these gallant animals as much as ever."

Recipients of the prestigious medal hail from history's deadliest warzones.

So far 34 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses and one cat have received the Dickin Medal which is awarded to animals that display conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict.

An Honorary Dickin Medal was also bestowed in 2014 to "the real war horse", Warrior, on behalf of all 16 million animals that served in World War I.

A special exhibition created to tell the stories animal bravery is currently on display in the Imperial War Museum, with plans for it to tour the country.