SENATE RESOLUTION 26
(By Senators Weld and Smith (Mr. President))
[Introduced March 12, 2025]
Recognizing March 13, 2025, as National K9 Veterans Day at the Legislature.
Whereas, Since 1942, with the inception of the War Dog Program on March 13, the United States K9 Corps has been recognized for their outstanding contributions; and
Whereas, Initiated by Joe White, a Vietnam veteran and K9 handler, K9 Veterans Day was established to observe the service and sacrifice of the United States military working dogs and has been set aside annually to honor and acknowledge these courageous dogs since WWII; and
Whereas, It has long been known that dogs are man’s best friend, but more importantly, along with the depth of integrity combined with their innate sense to protect, and their intelligence to learn, has made these K9 veterans an invaluable asset; and
Whereas, K9 troops also provide another service when on the battlefield in that they are a sense of comfort to a war-worn troop, forming an unbreakable bond with their handler; and
Whereas, To further enhance the K9 veterans they are traditionally ranked higher than their handlers ensuring the respect and importance these K9s bring to the battlefield; and
Whereas, The K9 Corps first recruited civilian dogs and their owners and trained them for various duties, such as scout, sentry, and messenger roles. Over the years these responsibilities have grown to include search and rescue, critical roles in patrol, and detection in drug and bomb operations; and
Whereas, This day is not just for military dogs, but to also recognize the many services our K9s provide to police, fire, and search and rescue teams; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate recognizes March 13, 2025, as K9 Veterans Day at the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representative of the War Dog Guardians.