BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, September 14, 2020 — On the nineteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a brave Military Working Dog completed his journey of more than 6,700 miles around the globe and was finally reunited with his former handler, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brendan Cabey. The reunion took place at National Parks of Boston’s historic Charlestown Navy Yard just after the firing of cannons and the playing of taps in remembrance of one of the most tragic days in American history.
“We are so honored and humbled to be able to bring MWD Ramos back home,” said Robin R. Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization. “On the nineteenth anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history, we are reminded of the resolve of our armed forces and the critical role that dogs play in keeping our country safe.”
With the historic USS Constitution as a backdrop, representatives from the National Park Service and the USS Constitution Museum joined the ceremony. John Curwen, Director of Visitor Experience and Engagement with National Parks of Boston and an Iraq War veteran, spoke to the somber anniversary of 9/11 and the role of working dogs in the Armed Forces.
“It was an honor to participate in the reunification ceremony,” said Anne Grimes Rand, President & CEO of the USS Constitution Museum. “MWD Ramos and so many military working dogs have played a vital role serving our country.” Ms. Rand presented MWD Ramos with a plushie of Guerriere the Terrier, the sea dog of “Old Ironsides,” and an essential component of USS Constitution’s canine history.” To cap off the event, Michael Cancelliere, a Park Ranger with National Parks of Boston swore in MWD Ramos as a B.A.R.K. Ranger.
“American Humane has a long and storied history working alongside the U.S. Military, dating back to when our animal first responders deployed to the war-torn battlefields of Europe to care for wounded horses during WWI,” continued Dr. Ganzert. “Today, we are happy to continue and build on that historic tradition, helping bring retired military working dogs back stateside for retirement and training service dogs for veterans diagnosed with either post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury.”
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
About USS Constitution
USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. The active-duty sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the Ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history, maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The Ship earned the nickname of “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.
About the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides” and those associated with her. This award-winning non-profit provides an environment where inter-generational groups seeking an enjoyable and educational experience can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The Museum’s mission is to engage all ages in the story of Constitution to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The USS Constitution Museum is currently open to the public Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Museum is also offering digital visitor experiences including videos, blog posts, collection highlights, and more. More information is available at usscm.org.
About the National Parks of Boston
The National Parks of Boston is a collection of three National Park Service sites – Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Established by individual legislation and for designated purposes, the three units have come together under a unified organizational umbrella to collaborate in ways that celebrate our cultural heritage, reconnect people to history and nature, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities on land and on the water. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf and www.bostonharborislands.org.
