Patriotic Pets Being Grateful for Their Service

T“rue patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.” Those powerful words from Eleanor Roosevelt are a reminder of what ideals America was founded upon and through tough times it behooves each of us not to forget that pa-

Michelle Mantor

PhotographyByPrudunce.com

triots of America strive for liberty, freedom and justice for all. The past few years have been a test of our valor. Some have met the call, others have failed. That is the nature of humanity. We will not always get it right but if we are willing to listen, forgive, take personal responsibility and reach our hand out to another in service, our hearts will not harden, our days will be brighter, our future will be stronger. I am a proud American; I love Ol’ Glory, our beautiful flag; I get chills during the Star Spangled Banner; I respect our military and those that have lost their lives so that we may live as a free nation; I believe our Constitution is a masterpiece; On the whimsical side, I will walk a mile to see fireworks on the 4th of July! To me, the pride of being an American is deeply rooted in service. The sacrifices our countrymen have made around the world to help others is inspiring. Do we make mistakes? Yes, it is inevitable that no man, no nation is perfect but the ideal of liberty, freedom and justice for all is worth pursuing relentlessly. When I think of service to our country, or even service to one’s community, it wouldn’t be a complete picture without recognizing the many animals that have also served their country and community. We know that thousands of dogs have helped our military in tons of ways and we thank them for their service. But did you know that horses have helped our military too?

As we celebrate Independence Day this month, I wanted to highlight that equines too have helped mankind for thousands of years and have impacted our lives with their companionship and service.

Horses have performed multiple roles throughout military history; they’ve been used for transportation, reconnaissance missions, cavalry charges, packing supplies, and communications. Let's take a look at a few from the past!

CELEBRATING FAMOUS WAR HORSES COMANCHE (1862-1891)

Sometime around 1868, Comanche was sold with a group of mustangs to the cavalry unit, to be used in the Indian Wars. The horse was assigned to Captain Walter Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry and proved to be an indestructible animal, carrying his rider successfully through multiple skirmishes, despite arrow and bullet wounds. In June of 1876, General George Armstrong Custer led the 7th Cavalry—with Captain Keogh and Comanche—to one of the most botched and bloody military battles, the Battle of Little Big Horn. Comanche barely survived. His state was so grievous that the Sioux, who usually took enemy mounts, left the gelding to die. But he didn’t. Two days after the battle, a U.S. soldier found the little horse and transported him to Fort Lincoln, N.D., where he was slowly nursed back to health and retired, with honors. After his death in 1891, Comanche was given full military honors, one of only two horses to be given a full military funeral for their service.

BLACK JACK (1947–1976)

A powerful military tradition since the time of Genghis Khan, the riderless horse symbolizes a rider’s last journey; the boots face backward in the stirrups to represent the fallen soldier having one last look at his loved ones.

Black Jack, who served as the riderless horse for more than 1,000 Armed Forces funerals. He performed the role for Herbert Hoover, Lyndon B. Johnson, and General MacArthur, but it was his participation in President John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession that made him a national treasure, displaying a stirring symbol of the fallen president.

SGT. RECKLESS (1948-1968)

Reckless was a mare bought for $250 from a young boy at the Seoul racetrack. Trained to be a packhorse for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, she became a unit mascot. Her military role was to carry supplies and ammunition to combat zones and evacuate the wounded. She knew the routes from the base to the front lines so well that she was often able to travel them without a handler. The pinnacle of her military contribution was during the Battle of Outpost Vegas, where Reckless made an incredible 51 trips to frontline units, carrying 386 rounds of ammunition—nearly five tons— through enemy fire.