Weekend Vietnam Vet Run to include war dogs memorial

Weekend Vietnam Vet Run to include war dogs memorial
August 16, 2012
AMANDA WILCOX
DAILY NEWS STAFF

Of the more than 4,500 military working dogs sent to Vietnam from 1965 to 1972, only 240 returned home to the United States. The rest were either euthanized, considered a surplus of equipment from the war or turned over to the South Vietnamese.

At this weekend’s Vietnam Memorial Motorcycle Run and Rally, Vietnam veteran and former dog handler Johnny Mayo will be bringing his traveling war dog memorial to honor the dogs who served dutifully by their handlers’ sides.

The display, lined with images and histories of the many working dogs who served in Vietnam, will “break your heart,” memorial foundation spokeswoman Pat Walker said.

“So bring your Kleenex,” she added.

In addition to the dog memorial, the rally will feature a car show hosted by the Tobacco Road Cruisers, a bike show and games, hosted by Combat Cycles, and a beer garden hosted by Harbor Site Bar. There will also be a silent auction, entertainment by local band Freeway Friday night, and a concert Sunday with music by bands Ricochet and Dixie Driver.

But the main event will always be the motorcycle run, Walker said.
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