After Generations of Service, Military Animals & Police Dogs Set to Get Their First National Monument

Susan Bahary’s artistic endeavors have endured decades and inspired countless individuals to marvel at both her sculpting work, along with the military themes from which they are derived.

The San Francisco-based artist, along with bipartisan lawmakers in Congress, are at the forefront of the United States’ first national monument honoring the contributions of service animals and their handlers—dating from the era of George Washington, all the way to the present. It’s also a broader tribute to military service members, law enforcement, search and rescue, first responders, disability assistance, and others that have endured and maintained that unique human-animal bond.

The project involves no public tax dollars. Instead, Bahary said it is a 100% philanthropic effort that could ultimately require $25 million for completion.

Efforts recently gained steam. On July 1, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) introduced the National Service Animals Monument Location Act to authorize the monument’s placement on the National Mall Reserve, described by proponents as the nation’s most distinguished location for works of exceptional and enduring national importance.

Kiggans, co-chair of the Working Dog Caucus, thanked Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), for his partnership and for helping bring this legislation to the forefront.

“I have the highest admiration for the animals that have faithfully served alongside our men and women in uniform,” Kiggans said in a statement. “From the horses that proved essential in military strategy to the nearly 6,000 canines that continue to play a role in drug interdiction and bomb detection, their roles have made our service members safe.”

The legislation is endorsed by the National Service Animals Monument, Paws for Purple Hearts, Canine Companions, America’s VetDogs, Guide Dog Foundation and US War Dogs Association.

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