[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MARCH 13 AS K9 VETERAN'S DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
March 13 as K9 Veteran's Day, honoring the courageous dogs who serve 
alongside our men and women in uniform.
  The legacy of military working dogs dates back to Sergeant Stubby, 
the most decorated war dog of World War I.
  Stubby served in 17 battles, warning his unit of poison gas attacks, 
detecting incoming artillery, and finding wounded soldiers.
  On March 13, 1942, the U.S. military officially established the K9 
Corps, recognizing the importance of war dogs. Since then, these 
highly-trained canines have served in conflicts from Korea and Vietnam 
to Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Today, over 3,000 military working dogs are deployed worldwide 
protecting our troops and supporting critical missions. For decades, 
however, these heroic dogs were classified as ``equipment'' and often 
left behind after service.
  Thankfully, since the year 2000, retired military dogs can be 
adopted, usually by their handlers, ensuring they receive the care and 
the love that they deserve and have earned.
  Our canine veterans have served our country with loyalty and bravery. 
Today, we recognize them as the heroes that they are.

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