President Donald Trump on March 13, 2025, saluted the heroic canines who "defend our citizens and our homeland." (Getty Images)
In the military, more than 30,000 "dedicated working dogs" — with 1,600 working dogs actively serving — have provided frontline support to U.S. service members, according to the White House.
These warriors are trained in detecting explosives and drugs, and assisting in search and rescue operations.
Famous military working dogs include Army Special Operations Forces dog Conan — the 50-combat-mission veteran named after late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien — who helped track Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi when he was killed in October 2019 in Syria. Conan was injured on the mission but made a full recovery.
CONAN, A DOG INJURED IN AL BAGHDADI RAID, HONORED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT WHITE HOUSE
In 2019 at the White House, Trump gave a medal and plaque to Conan, who had been assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. The doggo later was adopted by his former handler and passed away in 2023.
Former Marine Cpl. and Purple Heart recipient Megan Leavey and combat dog Sgt. Rex participate in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium before the game between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners on May 13, 2012, in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Trump also nodded to now-deceased SEAL Team Six operator veteran Cairo, who played a significant role in the raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May 2011, and Marine veteran Rex, who "saved countless lives by detecting explosives in combat in Iraq."
The German shepherd served alongside Corps Cpl. Megan Leavey, whose heroic service with the dog was depicted in the 2017 film namesake.
DOG THAT SERVED OUR NATION IS REUNITED WITH ITS FORMER AIR FORCE HANDLER: ‘IT’S BEEN A BLESSING'
Trump said Thursday, "As we remember the fallen, we thank all of the brave veterans of the K-9 Corps who protect the American people and our way of life, living up to the name of man’s best friend."
Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.
Andrea Scott is a politics editor at Fox News Digital, with a focus on the White House.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-salutes-fearless-military-police-dogs-k-9-veterans-day-canine-courage