Dogs have accompanied Americans soldiers in every conflict since the birth of our nation, but it was on March 13th, 1942 that the military made them an official part of our Armed Forces. Since then, they are estimated to have saved approximately 10,000 American lives. Some war dog heroes have been individually decorated by the military, like Sergeant Stubby who saved an entire company from a sarin gas attack in In WWI, and Chips who forced an entire machine gun crew to surrender in WWII. But as a group, their contribution to American security has gone largely unrecognized.

There are about 2,500 war dogs in service today, with around 700 serving overseas at any given time.

Our American war dogs can be used to detect bombs, weapons, and drugs, and even to attack the enemy. And they serve not only to protect our soldiers, but to provide emotional support and companionship as well. Great numbers of these military dogs have died in the line of duty. In fact, nearly 20% of the dogs that served in the Vietnam War never returned.

Several states, including Florida, Wisconsin and New Jersey, have already chosen to honor military and working dogs on March 13th. We want to take it a step further, and make March 13th National K9 Veterans’ Day, to honor military dogs as well as those working with police, customs, border patrol, and other working dogs whose mission it is to protect and serve the homeland and its people. Working dogs are commended for their loyalty and devotion, and are known for placing themselves in harm’s way, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice for their partners, handlers, and trainers.

It’s time we recognized the sacrifices of our four-legged heroes. Ask Congress to make March 13th National K9 Veteran’s Day.