Written by Dan from Dog Reflections
On Memorial Day we take time to remember those servicemen and women who have given their lives in order to secure and maintain America’s freedom. In every Military conflict in our nation’s history, you will also find stories of canine heroes. Dogs have played vital roles as mascots, guards, trackers and even mine detectors - saving thousands of human lives.
Rags was a Cairn Terrier mix who served as the mascot of the 1st Infantry Division during World War I. He “joined up” in 1917 in France and held his title until his death in 1931. Rags was recruited by Private James Donovan, who found himself AWOL after overstaying his leave in Montremere. Just as 2 military policemen approached him, he tripped over the small stray. Donovan thought quickly and said he was part of a search party, sent out to find the Division’s Mascot. Thus Donovan was out of hot water and Rags had a name and a job! Though he was a small dog, Rags relayed messages from the front lines. His greatest moment of heroism came during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign in 1918, when he ran a vital message through falling bombs. Although the terrier was gassed and partially blinded, he survived. Donovan however, was not so lucky. In 1920 Rags was adopted by the family of Major Raymond W. Hardenberg. He is buried at Aspen Hill Memorial Park & Animal Sanctuary in Maryland.Read more about 7 brave dogs that served their country during war times by clicking the following link: In Honor of Memorial Day - 7 Famous Dogs of War
To see pictures of pups supporting our troops and honoring their fallen comrades click the following link: We Support Our Troops
Thank you Lynda for doing this. We all need to remember what Memorial Day is all about.
ReplyDeleteDeirdre
What a great tribute, not only to our fallen soldiers but to man's best friend as well. Thank you for doing this.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. The dogs deserve that recognition along with their fellow soldiers. Thanks for creating the tribute.
ReplyDeleteSo touching and appropriate! We do put our country's welfare in God's loving hands and thank Him daily for many wonderful blessings! Thank you Lynda!
ReplyDeleteHeros come in all sizes & shapes... i am grateful we have them to watch over us. Because of them, we are able to sleep at nite with BOTH eyes closed knowing we have them watching over us and all our freedoms..freedoms we sometimes take too much for granted. I salute you all and thank you!
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