New Jersey Set to Get War Dog Memorial

Military.com ^ | 1/31/06 | Military.com

[NewJerseyJoe]

  NJ Set to Get War Dog Memorial

Man's best friend has contributed to U.S. war efforts for many years, so it is only fitting to have an official war dog memorial to honor the service of these canine companions. Military canines make contributions every day while they serve in our military. They are hard working and do a great job of saving the lives of their handlers and the troops who walk in their footsteps. The nonprofit association is made up of current and former military dog handlers and is committed to educating the public about the invaluable service the dogs provide. Recently, the association successfully lobbied the state of New Jersey to place an official war dog memorial alongside the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in Holmdel, N.J. It will be the first official memorial that honors these dogs. The association raised most of the funds for the war dog memorial on its own and hired sculptor Bruce Lindsay to design a statue of dog and handler. President Bush signed a Defense Appropriations Bill in December that enables military working dogs to retire early to be adopted by their handlers following an injury. For more information about United States War Dogs Association, visit their website.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Thought I'd pass this along. I have always had a great admiration for service and working dogs -- whether they are accompanying soldiers, doing search-and-rescue, sniffing for explosives, helping the blind, etc. I've seen documentaries about soldiers who had to leave their canine companions behind (especially in Vietnam) and how much it broke their hearts to do so.

[MortMan]

I'm glad someone has decided to honor and commemorate the dogs who have played a role in our winning war efforts.

However, given the state that was selected, I wonder if the memorial shouldn't be a steaming pile!

[frankjr]

"design a statue of dog and handler." Proposed Design:

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Doggie Ping!

[Doogle]

However, given the state that was selected, I wonder if the memorial shouldn't be a steaming pile!

..perhaps a better question to ask is why Kansas didn't take the lead in providing a suitable location for a long overdue tribute?

Doogle

[mak5]

Here is an article and photo of the war dog memorial at the dog park around the corner from my house: http://www.yorkierescue.com/articlebill.html

There are actually at least two of these memorials in parks around Cleveland, with ceremonies each November 11.

[MortMan]

Touche, Doogle!

[HairOfTheDog]

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

[alwaysconservative]

Thanks for the pings!

[the OlLine Rebel]

GERMAN SHEPHERD PING LIST

(Please Freep-mail me if you’d like to be on or off the list.)

[dervish]

Thanks for the ping and great icon.

NJ loves dogs.

[dervish]

Did you see the GS Military dog at the State of the Union?

A beauty.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Did you know Helen Thomas was a horse?

http://www.pedigreequery.com/helen+thomas

Makes me wonder if the horse's patootie was named for the horse.

[the OlLine Rebel]

No, I didn't watch it! (sheepish grin)

OK, my excuse? - I was celebrating my 2-yr "anniversary" of meeting my husband!

[dervish]

Congratulations! So you are a newbywed.

[rattrap]

I wonder if Sgt. Stubby will be honored or if it will be unPC to include a Pit Bull.

Sgt. Stubby

[the OlLine Rebel]

Thanks, that's cool. It's not un-PC in my book. Heck, I'll never forget the story of the "pit" who was rescued as a bait baby and is on border patrol for drugs now.