WATCH: Memorial Day 2018 Celebration & Salute to the Dogs of War

Our camera was there at the Gazebo to capture this unique ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in conflicts, including “the dogs of war”. These specifically-trained dogs are playing an ever-increasing role in guarding the lives of our soldiers abroad, as well as law enforcement personnel at home.

The inclusion of the K-9’s trained for military and security service is appropriate since the first dogs to be called for active duty in World War II in the Pacific were trained at Warren County’s Remount Center on Front Royal’s south side in 1942.

Event co-chairs are U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Robert MacDougall and Malcolm Barr Sr., 85, a Royal Air Force veteran in the United Kingdom post-World War II. Sponsors of the event are the Town of Front Royal; the Air Force Association (AFA); the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC); the Rotary Club of Warren County; and Fussell Florists of Front Royal which each year provides the traditional commemorative wreath.

Before the event, take a listen to the Skyline High School Brass Ensemble:

Watch the ceremony: