National K9 Veterans Day

National K9 Veterans Day March 13th is a historic day in the lives of Americans. It holds a significant place in the hearts of all Americans as this day is celebrated as the National K9 Veterans Day all throughout the country. On this day, people gather together and take active part in the K9 Veterans Day parade along with honoring all those military, war and working dogs for all their services during tumultuous times.

A brief history‌ The US Army K9 Corps was incorporated on 13th March, 1942 and since then; it is observed and celebrated as National K9 Veterans Day. It came into existence by a retired military working dog trainer named Joseph White, who felt the need to celebrate such an occasion. The day is solely

kept to honor and commemorate all those war dogs that played an integral part in saving thousands of lives during the World War. And as Americans, it is essential that we too take active part in celebrating such a historic day.

How to celebrate K9 Veterans Day? Military dog memorials have been set up all across the country to salute and honor the bravery shown by war dogs on the battlefield. Celebrate this momentous day by visiting any of the below-listed places.

War Dog Memorial and Cemetery

A 10-feet high bronze colored German shepherd granite monument stands tall wearing a Red Cross blanket with the words “To man’s most faithful friend for the valiant services rendered in the World War 1914-1918” inscribed below. Dedicated in 1923, this was created to honor all those war dogs that served the country during the First World War. You could stop by and pay your tributes to all those 7000 military dogs on K9 Veterans Day. - Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, 75 N. Central Park Ave., Hartsdale. (http://www.hartsdalepetcrematory.com/about-us/war-dog-memorial/ )

War Dog Memorial

The War Dog Memorial in Riverside was dedicated in 2000 to all the service dogs that served the US in battle. Small tiles carrying all those dog’s names that served the country have been engraved at the foot of the War Dog Memorial at March Field Air Museum. Visitors can have dog names and handlers inscribed on the small tiles that lay at the base of the dog memorial.

- War Dog Memorial, March Field Air Museum, 22550 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. ( https://www.marchfield.org/visit/heritage-courtyard/wardog-memorial/ )

Sergeant Stubby

According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Sergeant Stubby, a stray Boston Terrier played a pivotal role in hunting down a German spy and is also credited for locating lost soldiers in rousing sleeping troops during a gas attack and in mud-filled trenches. All in all, Sergeant Stubby participated in as many as seventeen battles on the Western Front. At the museum, you will find his statue with a blanket that displays all his medals for bravery and service.

- Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington. ( http://americanhistory.si.edu/ )

If not any of these places, you could at least join in any of the K9 Veterans Day parade that takes place throughout the country. Be a part of such a grand occasion. Tag your furry pal along too, if you’d like.

Happy National K9 Veterans Day to you!