LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 13, 2015, as K9 Veterans Appreciation Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize all the working military dogs, past and present, that have
served our Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13, 2015, as K9 Veterans
Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, During World War I, dogs were used for the dangerous job of
carrying messages throughout the vast network of trenches, as well as to
provide comfort to our soldiers; and
WHEREAS, In January of 1942, Dogs for Defense was established by
members of the American Kennel Club; this vital organization trained
dogs for coastal sentry duty for the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, On March 13, 1942, the K9 Corps was established within the
Quartermaster Corps to train dogs and handlers for use as sentry dogs,
scout or patrol dogs, messenger dogs, and mine dogs; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 1,500 military working dogs were utilized by the
United States Army during the Korean War, 4,000 during the Vietnam War,
and over 500 dog teams have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Other branches of the United States military, including the
Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force, have also used military
working dogs to assist in their operations; and
WHEREAS, Military working dogs and their handlers have been trained to
provide a variety of functions including explosive detection, search and
rescue, scout, patrol, sentry, and messenger, as well as to subdue the
enemy; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, military working dogs have helped to save
countless lives of both American soldiers and civilians; and
WHEREAS, In addition, many residents of the State of New York are
involved in activities to assist in United States military working dog
programs; and
WHEREAS, It is well-known K9 dogs are loyal, loving, and devoted, and
they have knowingly placed themselves in harm's way, often making the
ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their partners; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate for this Legislative Body to commend these
dogs and to recognize their contributions by observing K9 Veterans Day,
honoring the past and present canines for their valuable service and
protection; they truly deserve to be remembered by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13, 2015, as K9
Veterans Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.