Dog owners are invited to bring their pets and participate in the Virginia War Memorial’s Second Annual “0.9k for K-9s” K-9 Veterans Day Memorial Dog Walk on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
The Walk begins at 10 a.m. in the Heilman Amphitheater on and around the grounds of the Virginia War Memorial at 621 South Belvidere Street in downtown Richmond. There is no fee to participate but pre-registration is required.
The mission of the “0.9k for K-9s” is to honor and remember the contributions and sacrifices of military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and other service dogs on the battlefields of war and in our local communities. There will be special markers placed along the course with facts about famous military service dogs throughout American History.
All participants and their dogs must register and complete a waiver form in person at the Virginia War Memorial between 9:30 and 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 or pre-register online at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/k9veteransday/ .
K-9 Memorial Dog Walk is Free at VWM
There is no cost to participate. Participating dogs must be on a leash and have an ID tag on their collars with the dog’s name and owner’s information and must adhere to the City of Richmond Code. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult over 18. All persons under the age of 18 must also be accompanied by adult. This event will be held rain or shine.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of a number of states including Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan and West Virginia that officially acknowledges March 13 each year as National K-9 Veterans Day. This was the date in 1942 during World War II that the U.S. Army began training for its War Dog Program, known as the “K-9 Corps,” marking the first time that dogs were officially part of the U.S. Armed Forces.
K-9 Veterans Day has been commemorated in Virginia and at the Virginia War Memorial since 2013 for eleven consecutive years. As March 13 falls on a weekday this year, the 2024 Annual K-9 Veterans Memorial Walk at is being held on Saturday, March 16 to allow more dog owners and families to participate in the event.
The Virginia War Memorial grounds and indoor exhibits will be open to the public for visitation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 16. Admission is free and parking is available in the Memorial’s surface lot and parking deck. For more information, visit vawarmemorial.org/events/k9veteransday/ or call the information desk at 804-786-2060.
