To this day, dogs continue to serve on our borders and abroad every day,on both land and sea. Many State residents actively participate in and engage in K9 training and operational activities to assist the United States Military.
Joseph J. White, a retired Military Working Dog handler and founder of "K9 Veterans Day," pioneered a nation-wide effort to get the entire country to recognize March 13 as K9 Veterans Day.
Due to the current war on terror, such dogs as Customs Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Border Patrol Dogs, Police Dogs, Secret Service Dogs and many more will be included with the Military Working Dogs in this recognition as they also help protect and serve our country.
It is well known that K9 dogs are loyal, loving, and devoted, and that they have knowingly placed themselves in harm's way, making the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their partners. It is appropriate to honor these dogs and to recognize their contributions by designating March 13 of each year as "K9 Veterans Day." Source:
The Military Working Dog Teams National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was founded by John C. Burnam, published author and Vietnam Veteran Infantryman and German Shepherd Scout Dog Handler (1966-1968). The monument was designed by the John Burnam Monument Foundation.
It represents all wars since WWII and all five U.S. Armed Services (Army, Marines, Navy Air Force, and Coast Guard). The monument grounds encompass a 3,000 square feet granite plaza, granite pedestals, granite history wall, and granite benches. The granite pedestals have large bronze statues of dogs and handlers. Cost of construction was provided by corporate sponsors and public donations raised by the John Burnam Memorial Foundation. The monument was dedicated during a formal military ceremony on October 28, 2013. One of the inscriptions reads: "Dedicated to all U.S. Military Working Dog Handlers and their beloved dogs who defend America from harm, defeat the enemy, and save lives." Source: Wikipedia
- Visit the Facebook Page for National K9 Veterans Day
- "Proclaiming March 13 as National K9 Veterans' Day is meant to honor all military and working dogs for their service and sacrifice for our nation." Website
- On National K9 Veterans Day, Salute Some Of America’s Finest Military Working Dogs
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