Fayetteville Honors SOF K9s Killed In Action at Memorial Day Ceremony

Cumberland County, NC – Each Memorial Day, the Special Operations Forces (SOF) K9 Memorial Committee and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) hold a K9 Memorial Ceremony near “Constant Vigilance”, the world’s first memorial to SOF K9s killed in the line of duty. The 2016 ceremony will be held on Monday, May 30^th at 12 noon on the grounds of the ASOM in Fayetteville.

 “Constant Vigilance,” which was dedicated in July of 2013, honors canines from around the world. Surrounding stones have the dog’s birth and date killed in action. The plaque reads the Bond Between a SOF handler and his K9 is eternal. Trusting each other is a nameless language. Here we honor the SOF K9s that have paid the ultimate price.

Crystal Blasjo and her son Talon will attend the ceremony. Blasjo’s husband Aaron and his dog Hunter were killed in action on May 29, 2011. She and her son will be placing flags for Aaron and Hunter.

These well trained dogs have saved numerous lives.  In fact, they often died saving lives. Fittingly, Constant Vigilance overlooks “Iron Mike” – the icon of the Airborne Trooper. Both memorials are on the grounds of the ASOM.

Paul Galloway, The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation’s Executive Director, said, “These truly daring and brave dogs often lead their soldier team-members in the most dire conditions to save lives and complete the mission. They’ve given their lives for their country and we are grateful to be able to honor them on this special day.”

Field of Honor

Each year, Fayetteville and Cumberland County host a “Field of Honor” on the grounds of the ASOM. Each flag honors a current or past service member.  They do the same for the canine soldiers. The “K9 Field of Honor” surrounds the statue during “Field of Honor.” Large flags are placed next to the dog’s flag representing handlers that were killed alongside the dog.