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

Memorial Memories
A photo collection from the War Dog Memorial Unveiling
President's Day February 21, 2000

THE WAR DOG MEMORIAL DEDICATION
March Field Air Museum - March Air Force Base, Riverside CA

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.

Our President's Day (Monday February 21st), these dogs will be honored by a memorial befitting their status as America's 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 March Field Air Museum President’s Day, 2/21/00 at 11:00 a.m.

             CORONA, Calif. February 18, 2000----After a successful year of raising funds and national awareness of the important role canines play in our military history, Jeffrey Bennett, President of the War Dog Memorial Fund is dedicating the first of their War Dog Memorials at March Field Air Museum located in Riverside, Calif.

The ceremony began at 11:00 am on Monday, February 21, 2000. In addition to the attendance of many veteran dog handlers, support was shown by law enforcement, military and veterans groups throughout California and the western states. Justice Ming W. Chin of the California Supreme Court was the featured speaker and the ceremony was touching, and at long last, honored these forgotten canine heroes.

            An outpouring of public support occurred after last year’s release of “War Dogs…America’s Forgotten Heroes.” This documentary, co-produced by Jeffrey Bennett and GRB Entertainment, told the often heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching look at the war dogs of Vietnam. It aired originally on the Discovery Channel, and has since been broadcast worldwide on the National Geographic Channel and other cable channels as well as on network television in New Zealand. Because of this exposure, the War Dog Memorial Fund has been able to raise most of the needed money to build two war dog memorials. The first being placed at the March Field Air Museum.

            The Museum site was selected because of its excellent accessibility, high visibility and commitment to honor and preserve military history. The March Field Air Museum attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually and they are sure the War Dog Memorial will attract even more. The memorials were created by world-renown sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg and they serve to commemorate and recognize ALL dog and handler teams that ever served in battle. Not only is the museum receiving the War Dog Memorial, they plan to display a K9 exhibit inside as well. The memorial and display will help ensure these heroes are forgotten no more.

            “Finally, our dogs will be honored for time immemorial,” said the VDHA’s Mitchell. “The inscription on the memorial describes what we---their handlers---have held true in our hearts for more than three decades: ‘They protected us on the field of battle. They watch over our eternal rest. We are grateful.’”

PLEASE VISIT THE WAR DOG MEMORIAL
March Field Air Museum - March Air Force Base, Riverside CA
(877) 927-3647

Click Here for MAP

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