On this Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude, not only upon the service of our soldiers, sailors, marines and air force, but also the great contributions of our animal heroes who serve to protect our forces and our freedoms.
From Military Working Dogs used to search for wounded soldiers, sniff weapons or carry critical messages, to war horses used to carry supplies and weapons, these valiant animals perform life-saving and life-sustaining functions without which our Armed Forces might not have prevailed in many of their successful campaigns.
There was even a hero dog, a Boston Bull Terrier named Stubby, whose life-saving role of warning soldiers of gas attacks was so important that President Woodrow Wilson awarded him the title of sergeant.
Of the 60 million soldiers who fought in World War I, more than nine million were killed. Some 100,000 of those who lost their lives were American. Animals who played a critical role like never before also saw staggering losses of life. Sadly, at least eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys perished during the war. They died not only from ammunition and shellfire, but also because of appalling conditions, exhaustion and illness.
So on Memorial Day, remember to be grateful to all of our military heroes — both two and four-legged — for their service and sacrifice.
