Richard Galli likes to talk about pigeons.
Dressed as a World War I military member, the former Army sergeant turned Bozeman High history teacher explained the ins and outs of carrier pigeons used in the Great War, as his own pigeons cooed and strutted around their wooden pigeon cage.
With eyesight as good as a hawk’s, they were used to carry messages to troops across enemy lines, though they were often shot at. Almost every airplane in the war had a couple on board. Several of them saved the lives of bomber crews, he said.
Galli was one of a handful of people who brought animals to Gallatin History Museum’s “Animal Heroes of WWI” day. Along with Galli’s pigeons, a German shepherd and local therapy donkey, Oliver, made an appearance.
Cindy Shearer of the Gallatin History Museum said she was happy with turnout for the event, which was also part of the library’s 100-year armistice celebration and remembrance weekend. There will also be presentations at the Bozeman Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
She said the museum wanted to host a more family-friendly event, and she hopes that kids see animals differently, and it opens up a dialogue for them to talk about history with their parents at home.
Angela Kitsch said it was important for her kids to learn about history in a hands-on way. Her son, Kadence Pitsch, 11, said his favorite part of the event was the German shepherd, Shadow, because she let him pet her.
German shepherds were used to carry medical supplies, said Shadow’s owner, Linda Fritz. They would sit with soldiers until medics arrived, and they were also used as short-distance messengers and sentries, growling if enemies entered an area.
From the Bozeman Daily Chronicle