Memorial Memories... A collection of photos from the War Dogs Memorial Unveiling.

Memorial Memories
A photo collection from the 2nd War Dog Memorial Unveiling
October 8, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Sacrifice Field Ft. Benning, Georgia

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THE WAR DOG MEMORIAL DEDICATION
Sacrifice Field - Ft. Benning, Georgia

For three years, I worked long hours to provide a fitting memorial to America's forgotten heroes - the thousands of dogs who served our country in combat.

America's war dogs were trained to recognize booby traps, mines tunnels and weapons caches. They warned troops about ambushes. They saved lives by dragging wounded soldiers to safety.

America's war dogs prevented over 10,000 casualties in Vietnam alone and bravely served our country in Operation Desert Storm as well as WWII. Yet, many of these canine heroes were declared "surplus armaments" either euthanised or left to unknown fates.

The ceremony was held at Sacrifice Field in front of the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning. Noted military historian, Dr. Stephen Ambrose was the featured speaker. K9 teams from Ft. Benning and local law enforcement agenciesl joined hundreds of veterans and thousands of public attendees in providing tribute to these forgotten heroes.

Please join me in honoring these dogs and the men who served with them at the unveiling of a sculpture by world renown sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg.

Jeffrey P. Bennett
Director, War Dog Memorial

War Dog Memorial Unveiling at Fort Benning, Georgia - Sunday, October 8, 2000 at 11:00 a.m.

                      CORONA, Calif. September 19, 2000 - Jeffrey Bennett, president of the War Dog Memorial Fund announces their second War Dog Memorial dedication. The ceremony took place at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia on Sunday, October 8, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Noted historian and best-selling author, Dr. Stephen Ambrose was the featured speaker joining other military, veteran and civilian leaders in honoring the dog and handler teams that have served throughout military history. Additionally, K9 teams from Fort Benning and law enforcement agencies representing several Eastern and Southern states will participate in the ceremony to show their support and respect.

            Ambrose is the founder and president of the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans and served as a historical consultant for “Saving Private Ryan.” He has written more than 20 books, numerous articles and has been a professor of history for over 30 years. Always showing respect and awe to the everyday soldier, Ambrose endorsed the “American GI Joe” for TIME magazine’s Man of the Century poll.

            Because most dog teams trained at Fort Benning before serving in Korea and Vietnam, this memorial placement is especially significant. The Scout Dog School at Fort Benning was the place a soldier became a handler. More importantly, it is where the handler learned his most critical lesson, the consequences of not reading or trusting his dog. This experience allowed the canine teams to prevent thousands of casualties and bring many more soldiers home. The teams are credited with reducing casualties 65% in Korea alone.

            It is only fitting to place the War Dog Memorial at the very location that helped them become so successful. As Z. Frank Hanner, director of the National Infantry Museum says, “Fort Benning is honored to have the War Dog Memorial on these hallowed grounds where so many Infantry Platoon dogs and their handlers trained for combat.” He adds, “It may be at the ‘Home of the Infantry,’ but this monument is here for each and everyone that served. I want each handler to know that they have a new home where they can come to honor their fallen comrades and to renew their friendships with those who survived.”

Creating a memorial has been a mission of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association (VDHA) for nearly ten years. However, it took working with the War Dog Memorial Fund, spearheaded by Jeffrey Bennett, to make this goal a reality. The release of “War Dogs…America’s Forgotten Heroes” in 1999 provided a vehicle to reach the public and created awareness of the important role these canine teams play in our history. When the public learned that most of the dogs were abandoned at the end of the Vietnam War, it tugged a heartstring and caused an emotional reaction.

The public’s reaction to the film allowed the War Dog Memorial Fund to raise the necessary funds to create and dedicate two War Dog Memorials in 2000. World-renown sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg created both memorials. The first was dedicated this past February 21 at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California. Randy Kimler, president of the VDHA, “I’m excited that this project is coming to fruition. It’s a dream of mine and many VDHA members that our dogs be memorialized for their life saving efforts. This dream is coming true for me thirty-one years to the day I set foot in Vietnam.” Kimler will speak during the upcoming ceremony.

            The dedication on October 8, 2000 was an exceptionally moving ceremony as thousands gathered to honor and recognize the forgotten war dogs as well as the many veterans participated in the ceremony. Jeffrey Bennett feels “The time has come for Americans to remember and honor all of the veterans that have served our country during times of combat. Once we, as a country, forget about the sacrifices made on our behalf we become less worthy of the freedoms we enjoy daily.”

WAR DOGS - A SPECIAL EXHIBIT

www.benningmwr.com/museum.htm

This special exhibit opens October 29, 1999 at 2:00 PM
at Fort Benning's National Infantry Museum.
This exhibit tells the military history of dogs used for war.
A special demonstration by Fort Benning's Military Police working
dogs will be conducted throughout the afternoon.
The exhibit and working dog demonstration is free and open to the public.

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