Memorial Day ceremony honors canine soldiers

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Each Memorial Day, the Special Operations Forces (SOF) K9 Memorial Committee and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum hold a K9 Memorial Ceremony to honor canine soldiers who died in the previous year. New plaques are dedicated around the "Constant Vigilance" statue, each one marking the dog's birth and death.

The 2015 ceremony will be held on May 25 at 12 noon on the grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville.

“Constant Vigilance” is the world’s first memorial to special operations K9s killed in the line of duty. It was dedicated in July of 2013 and honors canines from around the world. Surrounding stones have the dog’s birth and death date.

The plaque reads: "The Bond Between a SOF handler and his K9 is eternal. Trusting each other is a nameless language. Here we honor the SOF K9s that have paid the ultimate price."

These well trained dogs have saved numerous lives. In fact, they often died saving lives. Fittingly, constant Vigilance overlooks “Iron Mike” – the icon of the Airborne Trooper. Both memorials are on the grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.

Field of Honor

Each year, the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg Community hosts a “Field of Honor” on the grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Each flag honors a current or past service member. They do the same for the canine soldiers. The “K9 Field of Honor” surrounds the statue during Field of honor. Large flags are placed next to the dog’s flag represent handlers that were killed alongside the dog.