By Kim McDarison
Wisconsin’s 8th Annual K-9 Veterans Day observance and celebration was held Sunday, March 13. Among the afternoon’s events, held in honor of working dogs and their handlers, was a wreath-laying ceremony honoring military K-9 teams. The wreath-laying ceremony was held at the War Dog Memorial in McCoy Park.
The ceremony was followed by a program at the American Legion Banquet Center in Fort Atkinson during which all working dogs and their handlers, both active and retired, were acknowledged and celebrated.
Comprised of a bronze statue of a military dog as created by sculptor Mark Dziewior and backed by polished granite etched with the likenesses of the fallen military K-9 team of Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Terry Beck and his German Shepherd scout dog, “Seato,” the War Dog Memorial honors military dogs and their handlers.
Beck and Seato were killed in action while serving in Vietnam on Dec. 20, 1967.
Attributed largely to the vision of and efforts made by Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson Treasurer Mabel Schumacher, the first K-9 Veterans Day observance in Wisconsin was held in Fort Atkinson in 2015.
Fundraising efforts to commission the War Dog Memorial were begun by the kennel club in 2016, with a dedication held in 2017.
Sunday’s observance began with a speech welcoming participants given by Schumacher. A wreath was laid upon the memorial by military historian and author Ron Werneth.
The ceremony was attended by several members, both human and canine, of the Milwaukee Chapter of the War Dogs Association as well as members of K-9 teams from law enforcement agencies in Kenosha, Jefferson and Walworth counties.
Photos from the wreath-laying ceremony follow.
Muskego residents and War Dog Milwaukee members Butch Haita and “Gunner” take a moment to visit the War Dog Memorial Sunday in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park.
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson Treasurer Mabel Schumacher welcomes guests to the War Dog Memorial as part of Sunday’s wreath-laying ceremony.
Jefferson County Sheriff Department’s K-9 handler, Deputy Scott Gukich, and his dog, “Balko,” attend the wreath-laying ceremony.
Military historian and author Ron Werneth places a wreath around the neck of a bronze statue representing military dogs. The statue, created by sculptor Mark Dziewior, is one of several components of the War Dog Memorial in McCoy Park.
Guests gather in observance of K-9 Veterans Day at the wreath-laying ceremony held Sunday in McCoy Park.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team of German Shepherd dog “Riggs” and his handler Deputy Terry Tifft stands at the War Dogs Memorial. The two were among guests of honor celebrated Sunday at the American Legion Banquet Center. Riggs survived after being shot in the forehead last October while apprehending an alleged murder suspect in Kenosha County. A story about the incident is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/kenosha-county-k-9-team-of-deputy-tifft-riggs-honored-sunday-in-fort/.
Chris Spangler photos.
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