Memorial Day - Remembering Our K-9 Heroes

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was officially observed in 1868 to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers by placing wreaths, flowers, and flags on their graves.  We continue to honor those who lost their lives in service to our great nation every Memorial Day which is celebrated on the last Monday in May.

As man’s best friend, dogs have served side by side our military men and women and have played pivotal roles in wars throughout history.  The early Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks used dogs to break through enemy lines and in roles as couriers, scouts and sentries (guard dogs). The earliest recorded use of dogs in war was in 600 BC as Alyattes, the King of Lydia, waged war against the Cimmerians.  Since then, military dogs have served honorably in the Civil War, WW I , WW II, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and all other military operations.

A quick Google search will lead you to names of canine war dog heroes including Sergeant Stubby, Chips, Valdo , Sallie and Cairo.  Sergeant Stubby, one of the most decorated heroes of World War 1 was recognized for catching a German spy mapping out the Allied positions and also saving lives by alerting soldiers of a poison gas attack.  Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, was a more recent hero. He was a member of the infamous SEAL Team 6 and played a key role in the capturing and killing Osama Bin Laden.  Although most war dogs are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, other breeds represented include Doberman Pinchers, Pit Bulls, Poodles, Labs and even a Yorkshire terrier.

Improvements in technology went hand in hand with specialized training for war dogs. Dogs are now suited with protective armor to shield against combat injuries. High tech patented harness systems are equipped with intruder cameras, earpieces, antennas, heat vision goggles and Kevlar load-bearing V- rings used for repelling, parachuting and lifting and lowering the dog in military missions. SEAL dogs can parachute into dangerous situations on their own and handlers can remotely use the cameras and earpieces attached to the harness to give the dog commands to track down terrorists.

The American military has recognized the contribution of working dogs in preserving our freedom.  There are several monuments and memorials celebrating working dogs.  Some of these include:

• Military Working Dog Teams National Monument (Joint Base San Antonio – Lockland)

• National War Dog Cemetery…..(Naval Base Guam)

• Michigan War Dog Memorial…..( South Lyon, MI)

Organizations such as Project K9 Hero  (https://projectk9hero.org)  are dedicated to the lifetime care of retired military dogs.  Their vision is  “To ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Military Working Dogs and Police K-9 Heroes through providing assistance with medical costs, food, and end of duty services.”  They also provide educational services on the various roles of military dogs and lobby for federal funding for medical expenses for retired working dogs.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, remember the dogs who have served side by side those soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our American freedoms.