On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember our smallest soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Dedicated on January 1, 1952, the Canine Veterans WWII memorial is located at the Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery in Methuen, Massachusetts. Nestled among the graves in this tranquil pet cemetery is the final resting place for several Military Dogs who selflessly served our country.
This includes Corporal Derek, of the US Marine Corps, who served in Pacific from 1944 to 1945. During his service, Derek was wounded twice and promoted to Corporal. Corporal Derek belonged to the family of Major Frank Dunn, who requested that following his service if he was not killed or emotionally effected by this experience, Derek should be returned to his family. Following the war Corporal Derek returned to the Dunn family, and lived a peaceful and happy life until his death in 1952.
The Dunn family weren’t the only ones who answered the call for canine volunteers for the war effort. Although dogs have unofficially served during wars, the US Marine Corps officially began training dogs during WWII. Recognizing the value of their beloved pets, during this period many families wrote directly to all branches of the US military to offer their dogs on a voluntary donation basis. Soldiers who used the dogs stated that they saved many lives and that their presence gave a feeling of security and relief from the nervous tension caused by war. When World War II ended, no dogs were released until it had undergone a complete “demilitarizing” process. Sadly not all of these heroes were as lucky as Corporal Derek to return home. Most dogs used during WWII, and subsequent wars, were considered to be “military equipment,” and following their selfless service were often left behind, destroyed, or forgotten. It was only recently, with a national act signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000, that retired military dogs could be adopted by their handlers, U.S. police departments, or members of the general public.
In recognition of our country’s smallest soldiers, the Massachusetts SPCA who owns and operates Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery has created the Heroes at Hillside program. Heroes at Hillside offers free private cremation and burial at Hillside Acre for any Military War Dog, whether killed in action or adopted post-service. The same benefits are also extended to Police K9s as well, with final resting spaces in a special section known as K9 Row.
