Memorial Day signifies the unofficial beginning of summer. It’s a time to scrape off the grill, have a few friends over and start off the season. For many people it has a deeper significance. It is a time to remember and honor those who have served their county.
Undying loyalty, companionship and valor are not limited to people. Man’s best friend, the dog, has also showed courage under fire, saved lives, and kept hope alive. Size did not matter; from a tiny Yorkshire terrier to German shepherds, dogs saved lives and were treated as part of the crew.
Not all stories had happy endings. Many died in the line of duty, while others were wastefully destroyed as “surplus armaments.” In 2006 a law was passed to facilitate the adoption of military working dogs. However, dogs continue to help in everything from life-saving missions to combat and therapy.
Find out what's happening in Mayfield-Hillcrestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Eastlake is one of the few locations in the country to have a War Dog Memorial Park. It is dedicated to Smoky and all the dogs in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
This Memorial Day, drive out to the park located on Lake Shore Boulevard not far from 500 flags. You can pay your respects to those who served, but are not often remembered. Take your best friend(s) along – there is lots of room to run and enjoy the freedom.
Find out what's happening in Mayfield-Hillcrestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
For more information about war dogs, take a look at these sites: http://www.skylinerfan.angelcities.com/page10a.html#Smoky or http://www.smokywardog.com/picview.asp?pic=7.
There is also book available through Clevenet libraries called Yorkie Doodle Dandy written by a native Clevelander, William Wynne, about his dog, Smoky. Thanks to Athena Gerber at Eastlake Public Library for her support and research about this local landmark.
Check back next June 6 when Critter Corner posts part two of the Adopt-a-thon.