A group gathered outside Bendigo's Soldiers Memorial to honour the role played by animals, as part of Purple Poppy Day on Monday.

Soldiers Memorial Institute Museum curator Kirsten McKay said animals had served alongside people in all major conflicts during human history.

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But it was not something that had previously been remembered, Ms McKay said.

Millions have died helping humans in armed conflict even during the past 100 years.

"There's been major losses of animals ... horses and dogs and birds, and countless animals that have been lost in service," she said.

"We need to commemorate that and remember their contribution.

"They shouldered quite a burden and assisted the soldiers in doing their task in war. Without animals' involvement the war would have been a very different place."

Ms McKay said Purple Poppies Day also highlighted the role assistance dogs had to play helping ex-service people.

Soldiers Museum Memorial Institute education officer Kym Levett said Australians had concentrated on the exploits of men and women in war for a long time, but not the supporting role of animals.

"They played a critical part in the success of warfare. Without the support of animals warfare would have taken on a different perspective," Mr Levett said.

"The animals perhaps had skills humans didn't have."

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