Presidential Message on National K-9 Veterans Day

On National K-9 Veterans Day, President Donald J. Trump issued a message honoring the historical and ongoing contributions of America’s working dogs. He celebrated their role as "guardians of liberty" who have provided security and companionship to the U.S. military and law enforcement for over 250 years.Key highlights include:Historical Milestone: The President noted that March 13 marks the anniversary of the 1942 founding of the Army K-9 Corps during World War II, which formalized the role of dogs in the U.S. military.Legendary K-9 Heroes: The tribute highlighted several famous dogs throughout American history:George Washington’s dog, who stood by the first Commander-in-Chief during the Revolutionary War.Chips, the most decorated K-9 of WWII, known for his actions during the invasion of Sicily.Conan, the Belgian Malinois who participated in the Trump-initiated raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Modern Deployment: Today, approximately 1,600 working dogs are deployed globally, serving in combat zones, protecting the U.S. border, and supporting prestigious military units.Law Enforcement Contributions: The President recognized the impact of K-9s in local communities, citing Bo, a police dog in North Carolina who recently rescued a missing 13-year-old boy during a blizzard.Skills and Training: The message emphasized the rigorous training these dogs undergo in drug and explosive detection, search-and-rescue, and security, noting that their "relentless drive" is matched only by their loyalty to their human handlers.The proclamation characterizes working dogs not just as companions, but as essential members of the fighting force whose "fighting spirit" is a key component of America's current "Golden Age."