The NY Times Friday November 2nd by Alan Cowell - a fascinating story about the use of carrier pigeons during wartime. A homeowner in Surrey, England circa 1980 while redoing his chimney found the remains of a carrier pigeon with a scarlet capsule attached to its leg. Inside the capsule was a coded message which was sent to British decoders who have not commented so far. The finding was on the route between Normandy, France and Field Marshal Montgomery's headquarters. The tale speaks to animal heroism - the British award the Dickin Medal, the highest decoration for animal bravery which has been awarded to 64 feathered, furry or four legged creatures - including 32 pigeons - since 1943 making birds the bravest of the brave. So if ever a pigeon's cooings or droppings should irritate you, bear in mind that his ancestor may have been a war hero.
tjs
Next -Election Day
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