PHOTOS: 4th annual K9 Veteran Day Memorials Dog Walk honors military K9s

Mar 14, 2026 - 19:25

0 0

PHOTOS: 4th annual K9 Veteran Day Memorials Dog Walk honors military K9s

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Dogs and their human companions filled the steps and grounds of the Virginia War Memorial on Saturday to honor all military K9s and their service.

Pups, dog lovers and K9 officers and veterans gathered on Saturday, March 14, for the 4th annual Virginia War Memorial Dog Walk. The event invited participants to take a 0.9-kilometer stroll around the memorial's grounds, as the ".9K9" walk aims to commemorate the sacrifices of service dogs on the battlefields of war and in our local communities.

Organizers said the gathering celebrates the National K9 Veterans Day on March 13 each year. Virginia is among several states that participate in the celebration and has been doing so for 13 years since 2013.

4th Annual K9 Veterans Day Memorial Dog Walk (Mark Morales/8News)

March 13, 1942, marked the day the U.S. Army began training the "K9 Corps" for its War Dogs Program during World War II, per organizers.

Organizer Ben King said K9 officers have been part of American history and historic events shaping the course of the country, including the Sept. 11, 2001, bombing of the World Trade Center.

4th Annual K9 Veterans Day Memorial Dog Walk (Mark Morales/8News)

"K9s have been going into battles since ancient times. They've been a part of just about every U.S. engagement since the founding of the country," King said.

Dogs and their owners had many opportunities to learn about individual military dogs throughout history from stations around the memorial at the Saturday event. A dog caricature portrait artist was also on site.