Honor K9 Veterans Day

March 13, 2018, 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, 2018, 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 that this Legislative Body commend these dogs and 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, 2018, 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 transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.