For the first time in France, on 20 October 2022, a Suippesin the Marne, a memorial dedicated to the «civilian and military hero dogs».
The Todocat editorial team attended the inauguration with all the honors and many authorities present.
“Give a little poetry to the history of this war”
The bronze stele entitled brothers in arms (Brothers of Arms) is a one meter high and 1.2 meter wide work of art, created by the Franco-Colombian artist Milthon.
Represents a Hairy, this is the nickname of the French soldiers of the First World War who fought in the trenches, and his dog, transformed into a symbol of all dog heroes and their humans of yesterday and today.
«My goal is to give some poetry to the history of this war. The soldiers’ dogs brought the warmth of happiness and complicity into the trenches, ”said the artist during his speech.
The memorial was created on the initiative of the Centrale Caninea recognized charity that works to promote the important role of dogs in society.
“It’s a monument that will live on”
The SCC (Central Canine Society) financed the work by paying € 150,000.
Alexandre Balzerveterinarian and president of the association, explains ai Todocat editors that «Suippes is an important site of the First World War, it is also the place where the 132nd Dog Infantry Regiment is based: it really makes sense to put the stele here. It is a monument that will live on because military celebrations are regularly organized here. It is a memorial for war dogs, but also for all animals that sacrifice themselves in the service of man ».
Located in the town hall square, the monument was inaugurated in the presence of François Collart, Mayor of Suippes, General Elrick Irastorza, promoter of the memorial and former Army Chief of Staff, Alexandre Balzer and the 132nd RIC soldiers with their dogs.
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