Saturday, May 19th, is Armed Forces Day. A day to honor all military men and women who have served our country. I’m a proud supporter of these men and women who have served past and present.
While we must never forget and always remember our military, we must keep in mind that dogs are used in very important roles in the armed services.
Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, was part of the mission that tracked down, and in the end, killed the number one terrorist in the world, Osama bin Laden.
Dogs weren’t always recognized for their services. After the Vietnam War, dogs that were used were left behind. They were considered “surplus equipment.”
In 2000, President Clinton signed into law allowing military dogs to be adopted after their service was over.
Dogs are used in a variety of roles. Since they possess visual and olfactory sensory abilities that supercede our senses, they are able to go where no other can. They’ve also been proven to intimidate an enemy, much like our K-9 dogs do.
“Because of these traits, they have been successfully trained for many military duties and roles by modern armies for a century.”
While Armed Forces Day is dedicated to our military men and women, let’s remember dogs have lost their lives serving our country and deserve the same respect as their handlers and fellow military members.
To learn more about military dogs, go to USWarDogs.
I’m proud of all who serve our country, the best country in the world!