the Memorials

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"There'd be a lot more than 50,000 names on the Vietnam Wall without these dogs, and I don't think the average American even knows the role they played." - Dr. John Kubisz, a veterinarian serving with the 764th Veterinary detachment in Vietnam.

"Bruiser was the hero that day. I was just a guy who was fortunate enough to be on the other end of the leash." - John Flannelly, Vietnam dog handler.

"The War Dog Memorial is an example. It provided an opportunity to combine an extremely moving story of the undying devotion of these war dogs with a unique work of art, one that I feel will provide a meaningful image." - A.Thomas Schomberg, sculptor.

 

War Dog Memorials

 

What is the War Dog Memorial?

The War Dog Memorial is a depiction of a soldier and his dog emerging into the environment of combat. Both man and dog possess a tense feeling of anxiety as they look off into the fields of impending danger. The column gives an architectural setting that provides a baroque quality of light which is meant to illuminate the comradeship, protection, sacrifice and love between man and dog.

 

The Significance of the War Dog Memorial:

The War Dog Memorial not only serves to commemorate the courageous acts of heroism performed by these war dogs but also to:

• commend and recognize ALL dogs that ever served in battle - not just in Vietnam; and,
• illustrate that these memorials "belong to the people" - built out of support by the American public (not the government) in an effort to finally honor each and every valiant war dog and their efforts to save lives and prevent countless casualties.

 

About The Sculptor:

World-renown sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg, grew up in the Midwest during the 1940s and 1950s; a period of time he feels has had a lasting influence on his work. Along with these regional influences, his studies in both the United States and Europe have guided Tom to his present personal style and technique as a romantic realist. A culminating stimulus to Tom's Work is his environment from which he finds inspiration and subject matter.

"They protected us on the field of battle.
    They watch over our eternal rest.
    We are grateful."

 

When and Where will it be Built?

There will be two war dog memorials built. The first was unveiled on President's Day 2000 at March Field Air Museum - March Air Force Base, Riverside California and the second at Sacrifice Field in front of the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia on October 8th, 2000. 

Gone but not forgotten...
 Copyright © 1998 War Dogs all rights reserved. Revised:February 18, 2002.