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U.S Military Working Dog Teams National Monument Dedication Ceremony

by ADMIN

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BETHESDA, MARYLAND – October 14, 2013 – The John Burnam Monument Foundation is pleased to announce that the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, America’s newest national monument, will be formally dedicated and added to the inventory of the United States of America’s national treasures, at a special ceremony on October 28, 2013. The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) – Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
 
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JBSA – Lackland is home to the Department of Defense Military Working Dog (MWD) Program and is where the U.S. Armed Forces has been training its military working dog teams since 1958. It is the world’s largest training center for military dogs and handlers and is also home to the largest veterinary hospital for military working dogs. The founder and inspiration for the national monument is John C. Burnam, a highly decorated Vietnam Infantry Veteran Scout Dog Handler and author of “Dog Tags of Courage” and “A Soldier’s Best Friend.”

“As a Scout Dog handler in Vietnam I experienced firsthand how valuable these dogs are at saving soldiers’ lives,” said Burnam. “Yet, despite their value, when we pulled out of Vietnam the dogs were left behind. They were fellow soldiers and they were our best friends. They were heroes and they were left to die. So I was determined to get the dogs, of all wars, recognized at the highest level of our nation’s government and then build them a magnificent national monument to ensure they would never be forgotten again.”

The congressional legislation to establish the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument was sponsored by U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones, NC, and signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 28, 2008. The law was amended by President Barack Obama on October 28, 2009, authorizing the John Burnam Monument Foundation to design, build and maintain the national monument.

The U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument’s main granite pedestal features the U.S. military’s four prominent working dog breeds since WWII (Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Belgian Malinois). The nine foot tall bronze dog handler represents all dog handlers of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that served during World War II, Korean War,
Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the War on Terror.

Another significant design feature is the “Not Forgotten Fountain” – a fully functional bronze dog and handler water fountain that epitomizes the bond between dog and handler. The larger than life, “hero-sized”, bronze handler and dogs, tell the stories of the unbreakable bond between America’s war dogs and their handlers, and the courage to protect and serve. All seven of the bronze sculptures that make up the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument were meticulously sculpted by internationally recognized sculptor, Paula Slater (www.PaulaSlater.com).

The U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument was funded through the generosity of corporate sponsors (Maddie’s Fund www.MaddiesFund.org, Natural Balance Pet Foods www.NaturalBalanceInc.com, Petco www.petco.com), veterans groups, dog groups, donations made by individuals, and funds raised through charitable events.

A number of local, state, federal and military officials will be in attendance for this historical occasion, as well as current and veteran dog handlers.  “As a nation we owe our war dogs a tremendous debt of gratitude,” said Burnam. “Their selfless service, loyalty and sacrifices to our country must never be forgotten. The U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument is a treasure for us all to ensure they are honored and remembered forever.”

For more information about the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument and its journey to becoming a United States national monument, go to www.jbmf.us.

NATIONAL MONUMENT DEDICATION CEREMONY – DIRECTIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Public parking for the October 28, 2013 Dedication Ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base is located at the Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio, TX. Shuttle Bus Service will be provided to and from Lackland Air Force Base and the stadium.

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE: Due to a lack of available parking and security policies entering Lackland Air Force Base, an off-base shuttle bus service will be provided for the dedication ceremony. The shuttle buses will escort passengers to and from Lackland Dedication Site and the Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio, TX.

So, please go to the stadium from your place of stay and not the Lackland Air Force Base entrance gate. There is adequate parking in the stadium parking lot.

Security Notice: Everyone attending the Dedication Ceremony will be screened by military security personnel prior to boarding the shuttle buses to Lackland Air Force Base.

  • Handicap: There will be assistance ramps for folks in wheelchairs.
  • Shuttle Bus Service Run Time: 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
  • Dedication Time Frame: 1:00 PM to 4::00 PM
  • Dog Restriction: Please do not bring your dog to the dedication ceremony.