Saturday, November 3, 2012

Animals in War


November is a time of remembrance for so many who have lost their lives in war and other conflicts. Today I took Beckett and Keltic to downtown Ottawa to Confederation Park for the dedication of the memorial to Animals of War. It commemorates all those animals who gave their lives in the service of men.

The memorial consists of three plaques and a bronze statue of a war dog. The concrete around the memorial is stamped with the tracks of animals (paw prints and horse shoes). In attendance at the ceremony were Laureen Harper, the wife of the Prime Minister,  Mayor Jim Watson, Royal Gallipeau, Member of Parliament, along with RCMP horses and service dogs.  There were very few spectators with their dogs; in fact, one organizer said to me that they didn't expect people to bring their dogs. I actually found that kind of strange, that you would have a dedication to animals and not expect people to bring animals.






The music I chose for the video was the piece the band played as the memorial was unveiled. Beckett didn't care much for the drums and Keltic really didn't like the horses sneaking up behind him as they walked back to their trailer after the ceremony but it was a good socialization experience for both of them.

Keltic says "Thanks Buddy"!


We might make the news tonight as there were so few spectators with their pets there that we were filmed and photographed by at least two reporters.  And after the ceremony the organizers of a Pet Expo here in Ottawa next week asked all the people who had their pets with them to have our picture taken with the War Dog statue. I'm glad we were able to go to this ceremony since we will miss the Remembrance Day services as we are at an agility trial.

And with the going down of the sun, we will remember them.
Sgt Craig Gilliam
Maj Ray Ruckpaul








4 comments:

  1. I think it is wonderful that you brought your dogs.

    So important to remember the sacrifices of others ~ humans and all other species. They are all heroes.

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  2. WOW, that is so wonderful that the guys went with you and saw this great thing done for dogs, who did so much and sacrifices for their owners during the War.

    Your Furiends
    Susie & Bites

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  3. They are all heros, no matter they are two-legged or four-legged.

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  4. Glad you got to attend! Sounded like a great tribute to animal heroes. I like the dog statue that was there too.

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