Six four-legged heroes are set to be honored here in the U.S. Here's the press release for the upcoming Animals in War and Peace Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
-Editor
The United States House of Representatives recognized
the roles and contributions of our country's service animals in a House of Representative
resolution introduced on Friday, February 18, 2022, in Washington, DC. The resolution
acknowledges the importance of our animals and their valiant human handlers for bravery in war
and creating a new process for honoring our U.S. animals' valor and meritorious achievements.
Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) introduced the resolution along with 11 bipartisan
original cosponsors. The Congresswoman attended the 2019 Inaugural Animals in War and
Peace Medal of Bravery Ceremony and recognized the need to honor our United States animals
who have made significant contributions to the peace and protection of our country that were
officially recognized by the Quartermaster Corps on March 13, 1942.
The Congressional Record link can be found at:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-
congress/house-resolution/935/text?r=1&s=2
Since 1943, the United Kingdom has been the only country in the world to pay homage to
animals with its international PDSA Dickin Medal, also known as the Victoria Cross for
Animals . The United States does not currently have an official medal to honor and recognize
animals that serve in war and peace for their acts of gallantry and bravery. There is increasing
support for the process of a Medal of Bravery and a Distinguished Service Medal for animals and
an annual medal ceremony to recognize such animals who have served valiantly since World
War I.
There are presently 3,000 military working dogs in the United States and increasing demand for
the military working dogs each year as a result of proven worth and success. Since September
11, 2002, Air Force security forces have trained approximately 500 military working dogs for the
Department of Defense. There are an estimated 2,300 military working dogs deployed worldwide
safeguarding military bases.
The United States Police Canine Association estimated that there are approximately 15,000
police canines working today. Additionally, there are over 2,000 certified search and rescue
teams across the United States.
I am humbled to introduce this resolution which recognizes those animals who have nobly and
courageously served this country at home and around the world as military and police working
animals and search and rescue canines, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. These animals
and their handlers are true American heroes, and their sacrifices deserve to be recognized and
honored.
Members of Congress who joined Representative Roybal-Allard as original co-sponsors on this
first bi-partisan House resolution include: Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Julia
Brownley (CA), Chris Pappas (NH), Charlie Crist (FL), Jamie Raskin (MD), Sanford Bishop
(GA), Ted Lieu (CA), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Elaine Luria (VA), Dina Titus (NV), and Mike
Quigley (IL).
Robin Hutton, President of Angels Without Wings, Inc., stated "As the champion for the
Animals in War and Peace resolution, we salute Representative Roybal-Allard and her insight
into the importance of recognizing our American animal heroes. Additionally, the Animals in
War and Peace Board deeply appreciates the eleven Representatives by adding their names as
original cosponsors supporting a process for honoring our brave animals and handlers in the
United States."
Six medals will be awarded on March 9, 2022 by Members of Congress to six distinguished
animals at the Second Animals in War and Peace Ceremony on Capitol Hill. A media advisory
will be issued shortly before the March ceremony announcing the next cohort of distinguished
animal medalists.
I reached out to Angels Without Wings, Inc. President Robin Hutton for additional images and information. Thank you! The mainstream press rarely bothers publishing the basic numismatic facts sought by researchers and collectors.
Below left is an image of the Medal of Bravery; at right is the design for the new Distinguished Service Medal.
-Editor
Robin writes:
"I don't have an actual picture of the Distinguished Service Medal medal as it is new and they have just shipped for our ceremony!
"The same jeweler that makes the Dickin Medal, Cleave & Company, in London, England, designed and produces our medal and ribbon. They are also the Monarch's jeweler, and they were responsible for the insignia display at Prince Philip's funeral. They really wanted to create our medal, and they did a magnificent job."
Prince Philip Insignia
For more information, see:
https://animalsinwarandpeace.org/
Wayne Homren, Editor
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