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Westchester County Executive George Latimer made the announcement on Wednesday, March 13, also known as National K-9 Veterans Day.
In total, more than $30,000 has been raised by Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum to erect a memorial statue that will be dedicated to military hero dogs.
The sculpture is a life-size depiction of Chips, a World War II War Dog. It will serve to honor the thousands of service dogs who have fought to protect soldiers in violent war zones throughout the country.
Present for the announcement was Vietnam and Afghanistan War Veteran John Conley alongside Nero, his German Shepard who served in Iraq.
“There are thousands of service dogs who have risked it all to protect our military personnel, while they are fighting to protect us. Many of these dogs continue to serve long after they’ve returned home, helping our disabled veterans,” said County Executive Latimer. “The statue of Chips is a small way that we all can pay tribute to our military dogs, and honor the bond that exists between our soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors, and their K-9 companions.”
The statue is being crafted by Lena Toritch, artist and MFA, and will be unveiled on Saturday, June 22 at Lasdon Park.
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