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Local Voices
Citizen Journalist

Certificate of Proclamation...Designating March 13 of Every Year K-9 Veterans' Day

Every year we get the K-9 Veterans Day into the “RED ZONE” but, we just can’t seem to take it across the finish line for the “Touch Down”

Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) came pretty close with H. RES. 740 designating March 13 as K-9 Veterans’ Day but, the 112th United States Congress is not in session due to the Presidential Election and will end on January 3, 2013, 17 days before the end of the presidential term so the likelihood of H. RES. 740 going across the goal line is pretty slim.                                   

So, I am asking you to go to your Local, State, and Federal
Legislatures and obtain Proclamations from them, Designating March 13 as K-9 Veterans’ Day.

Then perhaps the 113th United States Congress  scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. from January 3, 2013 to January 3, 2015, during what will be the first and second years of the presidential term of the winner of the 2012 United States presidential election might take it across the "Goal Line"

Here is my proposed proclamation for you to use:

CERTIFICATE OF PROCLAMATION

ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF

I,                     of                   do hereby proclaim

March 13, 2013

and every year thereafter as

K-9 VETERANS’ DAY

 

WHEREAS, military working dogs have been used by the U.S. Armed Forces since World War I, and on March 13, 1942, The Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, also known as the “K-9 Corps;” and,

WHEREAS, still today, military working dogs serve alongside our men and women in uniform, both on active duty and serving the reserves of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard; and,

WHEREAS, it is only fitting that we remember and honor the dog handlers and their faithful K-9 partners for their service and sacrifice during World Wars I and II, The Korean War, Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and many other conflicts; We also honor them for their exceptional service as Police and Secret Service K-9s, Airport, Border Patrol and Customs K-9s, FBI K-9s working to protect our Homeland Security and,

WHEREAS, as a Nation, we are eternally grateful for the noble sacrifices made by our Military Working Dog Handlers, and their K-9 Partners.

WHEREAS, on this day, we encourage citizens throughout this (Great City, State, or Nation) to honor forgotten Hero Dogs who helped and continue to help sustain the protection, safety and freedom of citizens of (City, State, or and throughout the United States;)

NOW, THEREFORE,
I                                 of                                  proclaim

March 13, 2013 and every year thereafter as K-9 Veterans’ Day

Pat Gavros

7:15 am on Sunday, November 18, 2012

Yes, Ken, I already started getting signatures last year while doing my Warrior Dog Projects. I will continue getting signatures this year and hopefully we can at least have proclaimed K-9 Veterans Day here in Oswego. It is truly important to acknowledge these mostly unsung hero canines who save and protect many of our military and law enforcement personnel. I'll make a special page on my site at www.warriordog.co (give me a few days please). Thanks for once again bringing this to the attention of others.

Reply

Richard R

6:01 pm on Sunday, November 18, 2012

Nice to see this happen. And I know Pat Gavros would like this too.

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mike ellison

2:26 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

This is a joke, right? Veterans are already recognized and that would include the dog handlers and I'm very greatful for their service. But to want the dogs recognized is going a little too far.

How about national pig, cow and fish day for the animals that sacrificed their lifes to provide food for veterans too? It's just as ridiculous.

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Kelly

8:44 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Dogs have played a crucial role in fighting wars for years, and still are. They've gone into battle in front of our soldiers and been alongside them, protecting them throughout history. Every year, we pardon a turkey. Why not honor war dogs?

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Pat Gavros

7:38 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012

Mike, I would encourage you to do a little more investigation of this subject. Yes, dog handlers are recognized. K9 Veterans Day is not for the handlers. It's for the MWD'S (Military Working Dogs). These dogs save between 3-5 of our soldiers lives each day. They die in battle protecting our troops. Our government spends $50-75,000 per dog on obtaining, training and deploying them. I don't actually recall hearing of a pig, cow or fish saving our troops. I will look into that though...just on the off chance that it actually happened. There are some incredible books out there, but one of the best I've read is "Sergeant Rex". Please read it because it's truly inspirational and I think it will give you an entirely different perspective about the subject.

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Loreta J.

9:27 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

We went to a Petsmart one day when they were having a Warrior Dog event, and if you've never seen the extent of what these dogs do, you can't understand the value of having a day to honor these military dogs. It brings awareness and recognition to these dogs that help our soldiers every day. It was truly amazing and eye opening to see the history of these dogs, what they do, and what happens to them during their service, and after they "retire". Very moving, actually.

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