Let us not forget and always remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day that was created to honor those who have paid the ultimate price-their lives-so that we may have freedom. The honor is bestowed to all branches of the armed services. This honor extends to all veterans who are no longer with us and includes all men, women and dogs.
As the years go by, fewer people attend Memorial Day parades and only celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer. While I have no problem having fun, we can’t forget those who fought for our freedom!
So today, I honor all men, women and dogs which were and are an integral part of the armed services. I honor their memories. Pictured is the gun salute followed by the playing of Taps at the cemetery where my father (veteran) and mother are buried.
Below is the most decorated war dog in in U.S. history:
STUBBY, Bull Terrier mix, WWI. As a small, stray bull terrier, he was smuggled aboard a troop ship to France. There he was wounded in no-man’s land but recovered and still served in battles at Chateau Thierry, the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne with the men of the 102nd Infantry. One night in February 1918, he roused a sleeping sergeant to warn of a gas attack, giving the soldiers time to don masks and thus saving them. Gen John “Black Jack” Pershing awarded him a special Gold Medal. He was given Life Membership in the American Legion and the Red Cross. He met Presidents Wilson, Harding, and Coolidge. He died of old age in 1926. Stubby is now on display as part of American military history in the Hartford Armory in Connecticut and is called “Sargeant Stubby”.
To read more about a tribute to war dogs, click here.
I hope you will take a moment to remember today.