Feynman announces plans to honor canine veterans
Durham, N.C.—Speaking at a Memorial Day barbecue on Sunday, Feynman announced plans to honor canine veterans and charged her listeners to remember their sacrifices.
"On this day, we remember all those brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom," Feynman said. "I ask that we remember not only the humans but also the canines who served their country in time of need."
She reminded the crowd that dogs have served in war since at least the time of the Roman Empire, and that more than 10,000 served in the U.S. military during World War II alone. "They served as sentries, guarding human soldiers against attack. They served as scouts, finding enemy troops camouflaged to humans. A brave few served as messengers, making communication possible between troops cut off by great distances.
"These duties were not simple ones," she reminded her audience, "not mere tricks done at human command. Performed without fail in perilous situations and often independent of human supervision, they required great intelligence, great loyalty, and great bravery."
Feynman recounted the story of Chips, a dog from Pleasantville, New York, who served with the Third Infantry Division in Europe and North Africa. On one occasion, he broke from his handler and attacked an enemy machine gun crew, forcing their surrender. For his service he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Hearth, and the Silver Star.
"Tragically, and to the dishonor of all our soldiers, those honors were later revoked," Feynman said. "It is time to end this senseless prejudice that only humans can make brave and knowing sacrifices for their brethren. It is time that we recognize the sacrifices of Canine Americans.
"I know of only two monuments to war dogs: one, in a cemetery in New York State, built to honor canines killed in World War I; and another at the U.S. Marine Corps War Dog Cemetery on the island of Guam. These are noble efforts to honor our canine dead, and I salute them, but they are not enough to fully recognize the contributions of dogs to this nation and to our freedom.
"I ask nothing less than a monument, to be placed on the Federal grounds in Washington, D.C., honoring those dogs who gave their lives for their fellow Americans. I ask nothing less because those dogs deserve nothing less."
This week, Feynman will officially convene a committee to examine the feasibility of such a monument and to offer suggestions for its design. A specific proposal will be announced in July at the Slumber Party’s convention and will be written into its platform.