Memorial Day Ceremony and Salute to the Dogs of War returns to Warren County Courthouse grounds

Due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the community, the 2021 observance of Memorial Day in Front Royal will be held in front of the courthouse on East Main Street, beginning at noon on Monday, May 31.

Until last year, a ceremony attracting up to 300 onlookers and some 20 participants had been held at the Gazebo further east down East Main Street. For reasons now well known to town residents, organizers Robert MacDougall, a U.S Marine Corps reserve officer, and Malcolm Barr Sr., a veteran of the U.K.’s Royal Air Force, have shortened the ceremony, reduced participation, and ask onlookers – about 30 last year – to abide by state rules governing outdoor activities.

This year, lay preacher Michael Williams will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, recite a blessing to Warren County’s and America’s war dead, adding a blessing of the dogs of war in what is a unique part of the ceremonial. The first dogs entering World War II as aides to U.S. military units were trained in Front Royal.

Front Royal and Warren County’s distinctive Memorial Day remembrance will return to the Courthouse lawn this year, noon Monday, May 31. Below, a Marine War Dog Detachment photo appearing to be circa WW II – there is a good chance those dogs training began in Front Royal. Royal Examiner File Photos by Roger Bianchini

During the past decade military dogs have become a featured part of Memorial Day in Warren County. This year, the inurned remains of a military dog will be blessed before his assignment to the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter to become part of a permanent shrine honoring military canines.

Cadets from Randolph-Macon Academy will be in attendance during a traditional wreath laying ceremony, flowers donated by Betty Showers, owner of Fussell Florists.