November 11th, 1919, marked the day when President Wilson proclaimed this day as the first commemorations of Armistice Day with these words: ” To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service….”
In 1968, President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. It was meant to be a day of widespread observance of this anniversary for all veterans and its organizations.
Veterans Day is observed with parades, ceremonies and television programs dedicated to honor the men and women who have fought for our freedom in the U.S.
We are indebted to all in uniform and I, along, with the country, observed the day to honor these men and women. . They have my upmost respect and gratitude. They always have.
What I fail to see among the celebrations is honoring our Military Working Dogs (MWD) who have fought and fight for our country. These dogs didn’t join the ranks of the armed services. They were drafted. They deserve the same respect as our soldiers for they, too, are soldiers.
They put their lives on the line for our country. They work side by side with their handlers almost 24 hours a day.
Did you know, while on active service, each dog is given a higher rank than hisher handler?
When their service is finished or they are retired, MWD are considered “equipment” by the Pentagon. Yes, you read correctly. They are no longer needed despite saving countless number of U.S. lives but our allies’ lives which is why the Taliban has actively targeted our dogs of war.
I’m not implying MWD are more important than our human soldiers but they are equally as important and should be recognized on Veteran’s Day.
Prior to 2000, these dogs were euthanized.
In 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law that dogs can now be adopted by their former handlers (first), law enforcement and government agencies then private citizens. The law, however, didn’t change the classification of war dogs i.e. “they are equipment despite their handlers and others recognizing them as who they really are…heroes.
Clinton signed what is known as Robby’s Law. Robby’s handler wanted to adopt him and made attempts to do this. Sadly, Robby was euthanized. Robby’s Law allows retiring MWD to be adopted.
With the enactment of Robby’s Law, many are now being adopted through a program at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. This is where all dogs used in the U.S. military are trained.
If they retire on an overseas base, the military will not provide nor pay transport back to the U.S. The person adopting a retired MWD must absorb this cost to the U.S. which can be quite expensive.
Not all dogs are available for adoption. Some have been killed in action, others have been euthanized due to medical issues, while others are deemed to dangerous to be adopted.
In 2011, over 300 dogs were available for adoption or transfer, according to the CY2011 Miltary Working Dog Adoption Report.
Dogs have been serving our country since World War I. Those MWD returned home unlike the dogs who served in the Vietnam War. Approximately 2700 dogs were turned over to the South Vietnamese army and 1600 dogs were euthanized, according to Ron Aiello, a veteran and former Marine dog handler.
While America celebrated our men and women in uniform yesterday, we can’t forget MWD who put their lives on the line every day just like their handlers. They detect explosives, run ahead of their handlers searching for land mines, tracking and searching, go after someone running from military police, finding wounded soliers, and as therapy dogs to help our men and women with a Medical Unit (combat stress) and so much more.
Because of Robby’s death, MWD now have a brighter future instead of instant euthanization. However, we need to change the classfication of these dogs from equipment to officers that have served our country.
Let’s not forget the true reason for the observance of Veteran’s Day: ” a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrfice for the common good.” This applies to all men, women and Military Working Dogs. Thank all of you for your service!
I totally agree!!!!! The media doesn’t recognize the importance of the important work these dogs do. They will die trying to save their human handler. They deserve more respect!
Thank you all for service! You are my heroes!
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