Lawmakers to introduce legislation observing K9 Veterans Day in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WJAC) — Two Pennsylvania lawmakers say they are planning to introduce legislation that would designate March 13 as "K9 Veterans Day" in the Commonwealth.
Currently, several other states, including New Jersey, Florida, Michigan, and West Virginia, recognize the "holiday."
If passed, the legislation would require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon Pennsylvanians to observe the day with various educational activities and programs.
K9s first began training to serve in the armed forces in 1942 and continue to do so today.
Just like human soldiers, military working dogs are always on the clock, actively working in combat zones worldwide. It is important to recognize the thousands of dogs that served with honor, dignity, valor, and heroic efforts throughout history. These K9 military dogs have served in many wars, having been employed by the United States Military from World War I to present conflicts. Every military working dog (MWD) is a non-commissioned officer, one rank higher than their handlers. They are part of the team, part of the risk, part of the intelligence, part of the protection and part of the U.S. Military.According to the memorandum issued by Sen. Rosemary Brown and Sen. Doug Mastriano, observing K9 Veterans Day would not only honor the efforts of military and law enforcement canines, but it would help to "educate the Pennsylvania public on their contributions in our military."
March 13 is the official birth date of the U.S. Army K9 Corps.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfoa64ucCknKurXam8brXNramonKWYsm64xKCgrKSRqbawuoyomaydoqu2r7OMpHBmrpWpsrOtzaxknZmpYravec%2BepaerqaHDorrImg%3D%3D