Posted on 08/24/2011 2:29:55 PM PDT by RobinMasters
Footage from the memorial service of Jon Tumilson, a small-town Iowa boy who loved his country and his dog and who, by the way, was one of the most elite soldiers in the world’s greatest military. He died aboard the Chinook that was shot down by the Taliban over Wardak Province a few weeks ago. He’s survived by his parents, two sisters, and his chocolate lab Hawkeye, whose bond with his master was so close that the family chose a photo of the two of them to be placed above the casket. What you’re about to see will haunt you forever. Simply shattering.
The Des Moines Register has a worthy obituary, celebrating Tumilson’s iron will power and lamenting the fact that he was just three years away from retirement. Rest in peace.
(Excerpt) Read more at hotair.com ...
Remember that, at that time, the internal combustion engine was still in its infancy, and most heavy work was done by horses. It was the last major war that employed horses in quantity. My dad was in the last battalion of the 2nd Cavalry Division to actually ride horses . . . and they left them behind when they were shipped overseas in WWII.
Most of our horses now are high-end show, race, and rodeo horses, or basically family pets -- no more work horses that were simply cogs in a machine.
They were the equivalent of the wrecked tanks and jeeps and trucks that you see by the side of the road in almost any war since.
Most people just treated them as expendable equipment rather than living creatures. The English and the Americans were almost alone in having warm feelings for their horses and dogs. The French even remarked on it (that painting is based on a French account)
Fascinating to meet someone who knows the history of the poor war horses! On my wall - right now in front of me - is my grandfather on his war horse. It was taken in 1915. They were also used to pull ambulances.
In the play, the horses continually trade sides in the war - one minute with the British, the next with the Germans and once rescued by French peasants.
Of course, the British love and adore horses and dogs and so would naturally honor their service. I think we Americans picked up that trait from them. If you can google a photo of the London memorial for yourself, I think you’ll like it.
Animals in War Memorial is the one I believe you are thinking about. Thanks for leading me to it.
A copy of the original painting that AAM's poster is from is also shown there.
Thanks for the thread, RobinMasters; the more I deal with people the more I love my dog!
My dad handled pack mules in Italy in the winter of '43-'44. They figured the cav. guys would have the know-how. But anybody who thinks a mule doesn't have a choice has never handled a mule!
I think I see the concept, and I like it. It seems that the scrawny little overloaded pack mules will pass through the gate and be ennobled, like the beautiful creatures on the other side.
And if that's not a Lab, I'll eat a cup of my pups' kibble. Not feathery enough and too much muzzle for a Golden. It can't be a Chessie in England, it's a relatively rare breed even here.
I've so often seen that affectionate, waiting look back as my girls race ahead on their adventures. "Come on! Come on! Hurry! It's beautiful!"
Thank you so much - how beautiful it is. It looks a little bit like a spaniel to me but I would imagine labs were used in war time rather than spaniels. But who knows? (Can you guess there is a cocker spaniel sitting under my chair?!)
I think the “They had no choice,” simply means the notion that humans start the wars and animals have to clean up after them, lol!
It would be wonderful to have something like this in the US.
Thank you so much for the link! I just love this memorial.
She is a much smaller dog than Hawkeye, but a brave and faithful soul.
As I’m reading this my chocolate lab is lying right next to me. Couldn’t ask for a better dog.
That photo is almost unbearable. Poor, poor beast. I hope he doesn’t pine away.
Emily Bronte’s dog, a famous dog named Keeper, followed her to her funeral and grave and howled and cried.
I would think, though, that a Spaniel would have a bigger head, a lot more ear, shorter legs, a longer back in proportion, and a falling topline.
. . . but each will claim her own, she saith . . .
A beauty. I have an 11 year old rescue dog that I took home last Christmas. She is part Sheltie, part Cocker Spaniel. I call her my angel dog.
I guess I just want my dog represented. I love your idea that the mules passing through the gates become ennobled.
God Bless this fallen soldier. Loyal to the end sits man’s best friend. God help me , but this really is so sad. I’m crying, for real.
I hope he isn't a "one man dog", but it's probably not too likely. He will mourn for a space, then find a friend or relative of his master to cherish.
Anybody who doesn’t have tears in their eyes has no heart!
Is she more Sheltie or more Cocker? That sounds like an interesting combination.
I am assuming the dog could still recognize his scent even in death. Interesting.
She’s absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing that. (I always just want to kiss faces like that! LOL!)
I don’t know how to post photos otherwise I would show you. Initially, you see the Sheltie: the longish hair, the curly-cue tail, the somewhat pointed snout of a collie. But the rounded head, the (somewhat) bulbous but beautiful black eyes and personality are Cocker Spaniel. I tend to see the Spaniel as does my husband. My mother sees “a collie.” She has a sweet nature and a gentle soul.
My last dog was a black lab. A complete nut case who we loved and miss terribly.
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