AC Pup thankful for freedom this Memorial Day

It’s Memorial Day weekend. While we’re celebrating, please remember there may be fireworks, and most pets are terrified of them and may try to escape. If at all possible, please keep your pets inside the house this weekend so we can avoid a tragedy.

If you can’t bring them inside, please stay outside with them when the fireworks are detonated. And remember, a frightened pet can escape a fence or a kennel, so please do not count on them to keep your pet safe during the explosive sounds of fireworks.

But Memorial Day is so much more than fireworks and cookouts. It’s about giving thanks.

You know what I’m really thankful for this weekend? I am so happy we live in America and enjoy the freedom we have. We have many heroes to thank for that precious freedom.

So many brave military men, women and military dogs paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for all of us so we can live in the security of our freedom. And the gift of freedom is something we should never take for granted.

But this weekend, I don’t take my freedom for granted. I’m reflecting on those courageous people and military dogs that put their lives on the line and lost them all for us.

To me, Memorial Day is not just another holiday for us to have off work. It’s a day when I feel very reverent and appreciative for those fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price and paved the way for us all.

Not only am I grateful I live in America, but I also am especially thankful I live in Georgia. Because not only do we have fallen K9 heroes from our area, but we also have a War Dog Memorial in Georgia.

The War Dog Memorial at Fort Benning is a sister memorial to the War Dog Memorial in Riverside, California. There is a beautiful monument in Riverside created by sculptor Tom Schomberg.

Schomberg said, “The War Dog Memorial, as I created it, is meant to illustrate the bond between humans and their canine friends. Second, and most importantly, it is to illustrate the sacrifice that these two figures have made under combat circumstances.”

Arras was a 5-year old Dutch shepherd Air Force explosive detection dog serving in Iraq. He and his handler, Staff Sgt. Marcus Reaves, were from our own Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins.

On Sept. 25, 2007, Sgt. Reaves and Arras were checking empty buildings in Iraq when there was an explosion. Sgt. Reaves was wounded, but, sadly, Arras was killed.

Luckily Sgt. Reaves recovered from his injuries, but he lost not only his partner, but he lost a loyal companion. Both of them are heroes.

What a great tribute that the War Dog Memorial honors K-9 heroes that are so vital to our armed forces. I am touched that the armed forces appreciate the efforts, tenacity and fearlessness of the military dogs. I sure do.

This weekend while you’re firing up the grill and protecting your pets from fireworks, please take a minute to remember all in the military who’ve given everything for you and me. And send a prayer of thanksgiving for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day!

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "AC Pup thankful for freedom this Memorial Day."