The Canadian Horse Defence Coalition lays a wreath at The Animals in War Dedication Monument in Ottawa Posted on November 11, 2015

RCMP Cpl. Luc Patenaude and police dog Cujo

Drs. Stephanie and Peter Chung pose with Dedication war dog and his creator, David Clendining.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson hands War Animals Day Proclamation to Lloyd Swick.

Lloyd Swick, chair of the Animals in War Dedication Committee Addresses the crowd

Youth Presentations by Anne Fergusson, Andrew Garbutt and Richard Barrie.

Capacity audience at AIW Dedication Ceremony

Canadian Forces Central Band (background) Dove cages (foreground)

Plaque unveiled by Lloyd Swick, Andrew Garbutt, Richard Barrie, Anne Fergusson and Laureen Harper.

Plaque unveiled by Ottawa MP Royal Galipeau, NCC Chair Russell Mills, and Brigadier-General M.K. Overton.

News/Official Coverage

‘Remembering Animals in War’

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/11/11/remembering-animals-in-war/

‘New War Animal Monument’

http://www.cncworld.tv/news/v_show/29037_War_Animal_Monument.shtml

‘Canada honours contributions of animals in war’

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2012/11/20121103-105827.html

‘Government of Canada Honours Contributions of Animals in War’

https://aiwdedication.ca/news-release-government-of-canada-honours-contributions-of-animals-in-war/

Animals in War Dedication

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/public-art-monuments/animals-war-dedication

‘New Monument Honours Contribution of War Animals‘

http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/new-monument-honours-war-contributions-of-animals-1.1023339

‘Government of Canada Honours Contributions of Animals in War’

http://www.northumberlandview.ca/index.php?module=news&type=user&func=display&sid=18356

‘Animals of war commemorated with sculpture’

http://www.centretownnews.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3455&Itemid=131

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lOHL7QeGftw

The Canadian Horse Defence Coalition lays a wreath at The Animals in War Dedication Monument in Ottawa Posted on November 11, 2015

Government of Canada Honours Contributions of Animals in War

November 3rd 2012 – Veterans Affairs Canada

Ottawa – Mr. Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orléans and representative for the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Senator Yonah Martin, Mrs. Laureen Harper, Honorary Patron of the Animals in War Dedication Project, Brigadier-General M.K. Overton, Assistant Chief of Military Personnel of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Mr. Russell Mills, Chair of the National Capital Commission (NCC), along with Veteran Lloyd Swick, founder of the project, today unveiled a dedication to honour animals who served alongside their human comrades in war. The dedication consists of three interpretative plaques explaining the roles played by animals during past wars. A bronze statue of a medical service dog stands nearby.

“As a tribute to the efforts of animals who served during crucial battles, we honour their unwavering loyalty, dedicated service, and strong companionship during difficult times” said Minister Blaney.

“With the unveiling of this dedication, Canadians now have a place to honour animals who’ve served in war alongside our Veterans,” said MP Galipeau. “Animals have always been a part of our lives and of our culture and should be recognized for their contributions to Canada’s war efforts.”

“This dedication in Canada’s Capital Region will help Canadians discover the contributions of animals in war,” said Mr. Mills, Chair of the NCC. “The National Capital Commission is pleased to add these artistic and interpretive elements next to the South African War Memorial in Confederation Park.”

A variety of animals were used during war. Mules carried supplies and artillery; horses hauled field guns; carrier pigeons delivered messages to specific destinations; and dogs worked as messengers, medical assistants, mine detectors and in search and rescue. Dogs are still employed by the Canadian Armed Forces today.

“With this dedication, we have ensured that the efforts and sacrifices of animals in war will be recognized today and in the future,” said Mr. Lloyd Swick, Founder of the Animals in War Dedication Project.

The Government of Canada contributed more than $98,000 toward the creation and unveiling of the Animals in War Dedication, located in Confederation Park, in downtown Ottawa.

– 30 –

Media inquiries:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, November 1, 2012 — The Animals in War Dedication Committee is pleased to announce the official unveiling of the Animals in War Dedication.

The unveiling ceremony will take place in Confederation Park, Ottawa, Ontario, on November 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

Honourary patron for the Animals in War Dedication, Mrs. Laureen Harper, will be attendance. She will be joined by NCC Chair, Russell Mills, Brigadier-General M.K. Overton, CD Assistant Chief Military Personnel, Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, war veterans, and other invited guests. The public is invited to observe the ceremony.

Presenting Sponsor Dr. Peter Chung, Executive Chairman for Eminata Group, will be joined by Senator Yonah Martin and Mr. Mark Broadhurst, Director, Public Affairs & Government Relations for Mars Canada Inc., to assist in the unveiling.

The ceremony will include opening remarks by AIW founder, Lloyd Swick, musical accompaniment by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as a special presentation by three young Canadians.

The dedication unveiling ceremony will also be attended by RCMP riders and horses.

To request further information or to arrange for media coverage on site, please contact:

Shalindhi Perera 613 842-5139/ 613 601-7992 (cell)

[email protected]

90-year-old Lloyd Swick’s 3-year battle leads to unveiling at Confederation Park

Lloyd Swick is a great interview subject.

Ask him a question and he’ll answer as if he’s marching through a field — straight ahead, no detours, no veering, no conversational pauses or circling back.

He’ll have dates and proper names for you. He’ll have titles and facts that you just know will be accurate when you check them later.

What’s more, he’ll lay everything out in order, in rigid chronology, his mind as clear and unobstructed as a cloudless, summer day.

Lloyd Swick turned 90 this summer.

“That’s nice of you to say. Some people tell me I prattle on,” says Swick, when I compliment him on his memory. “But I do feel strongly about certain things, so you do tend to go on when you feel that way.”

Read the Full Article

OTTAWA, September 19, 2012 — The Animals in War Dedication Committee is very
pleased to announce that Mars Incorporated has made a generous donation of $20,000
towards the creation of the Animals in War Dedication.

Mars Incorporated is a family owned company that puts its principles into action to make
a difference for people and planet through performance. The Canadian business has
four segments: Chocolate, Food and Drinks, Wrigley and Petcare. Petcare provides
snacks, treats, and complete diets for cats and dogs. Mars’ brands such as Pedigree®,
Cesar®, Whiskas®, and Natural Defense® are instantly recognizable and used by pet
owners worldwide.

Mars Incorporated approached the AIW Dedication Committee directly, expressed their
support for the project and the importance of honouring war animals, past, present and
future. In providing essential products for pets to their loving owners, it was easy to
relate to the war animals – dogs and cats amongst them. Some of them would certainly
have been pets. They were suddenly pressed into military service, facing horrific
conditions for the first time. The unique bond shared between pet owners and their pets
would be magnified on the fields of battle. Soldiers depended on war animals for many
tasks including protection, medical support, delivering messages, as well as providing
unconditional loyalty and love.

“It is a pleasure to be a part of such a special tribute,” says Leslie Brams-Baker,
Communications Manager for Mars Canada. “At Mars, our associates embrace and
celebrate the significant role that pets play in our lives and our society.”

As a major sponsor of the Animals in War Dedication Project, Mars Incorporated will
have a significant role in the unveiling ceremony, scheduled for November, 2012.

With the generous donation by Mars Inc., the funds raised so far for the Animals in War
Dedication total $125,000. The goal is within reach; however, more money is required.

Please visit www.aiwdedication.ca to find out about different sponsorship levels, and
how to donate on-line.

For more info, please contact: Lloyd Swick (613) 228-8914 or [email protected]

We are pleased to exhibit David Clendining’s work as the Animals in War Dedication takes shape. The plaques depict the struggle to overcome the horrific conditions of war, the heartbreaking goodbye betweensoldier and animal, and the unflagging determination shared by war animals and their human comrades. The creation of the plaques involves many long hours and meticulous attention to the superb detail of thedesign. Please check www.aiwdedication.ca regularly for further developments!

Noah Tremblay

July 1, 2012 — My name is Noah Tremblay I started to raise funds to put up monument in my home community of Bass River Nova Scotia in May 2011 for the animals who have served and still serving in the wars. I did this by going to different companies asking for help, selling tickets on baskets and selling lip balm.

Lloyd Swick was my inspiration because he taught me about the animals in war and the sacrifices they made. From this I wanted to learn more, so I started to research and decided to make it a goal of mine to help these animals get the honor they deserve and help the soldiers request come true.

I ended up raising $22,000 for the monument called Forgotten Heroes. I unveiled it July 1st, 2012 and had over 250 attend. I had over 12 handlers and dogs come and other people brought their dogs along. I also had a release of 35 pigeons for the grand finale.

It was a day I will not forget and it made me proud to be able to do this for the animals. I thank Mr.Swick and I am so happy that i got to know him and he is a man i will never forget either. He is a true animal lover like me.

OTTAWA, June 26, 2012 — The Animal in War Dedication Committee is pleased to announce that the Department of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages has agreed to support the Animals in War Dedication project with a $50,000 contribution.

The contribution will help ensure the creation of the Animals in War Dedication in honour of the invaluable contribution of animals of all species that fought alongside Canadian and Allied troops on battlefields through our military history.

With this financial support from Canadian Heritage, the Animals in War Dedication Committee steps even closer to achieving the projected total of $160,000. A total of $102,000 has been raised to date.

The Animals in War Dedication will be located in Confederation Park in Ottawa. The unveiling is tentatively scheduled for October 2012.

Contact: Lloyd Swick 613 228-8914 [email protected] or [email protected]
Canadian Heritage: 819 994-9101 or 1-866-569-6155

May 26, 2012 – Lloyd had a chance to speak with the members of the Air Cadets of the 706 Snowy Owl Squadron. The presentation was made at the Connaught ranges, a prime training ground for all branches of the Cadet Corps, located on the outskirts of Ottawa. (more…)

OTTAWA, May 2, 2012 — The Animals in War Dedication Committee is pleased to introduce our Presenting Sponsor who has made a generous donation of $40,000 towards the creation of the Animals in War Dedication.

Eminata Group is a multinational organization that provides financial and management support to various industries including education, real estate, marketing, senior care homes, public storage, and finance. Website: www.eminata.com

Dr. Peter Chung is the executive chairman of the Eminata Group. He has attended UCLA, Pepperdine University, California Polytechnic State University, Stanford and Harvard and has an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Dr. Chung was Paraguay’s Honourary Consul to Canada between 2007 and 2011. He currently serves on the boards of Pepperdine University and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

“Being born in Korea at the end of the Korean conflict, I grew up with a very acute awareness of the value of the sacrifices made by veterans all over the world as they fought to defend our liberty and freedom.

“I have always considered animals used in conflict as veterans, too, and rightfully they deserve to have similar recognition. More than ever our society now understands and recognizes the value of animals in all aspects of our daily lives.

“Eminata Group’s philosophy of changing lives through education, service and care embodies the spirit of all our war veterans (both man and beast), and I am proud to sponsor the Animals in War Dedication Project.”

As Presenting Sponsor, Eminata will have a prominent role in the unveiling ceremony, tentatively scheduled for October 2012.

Total funds raised to date: $57,000.
Total cost required is $147,000 with a deadline of July 2012 for funding to be in place.

Please visit www.aiwdedication.ca to find out more about different sponsorship levels, and how to donate on-line.

Contact: Lloyd Swick (613) 228-8914 or [email protected]

Presenting Sponsor AIW Dedication Project

OTTAWA, April 17, 2012 — The Animals in War Dedication Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Laureen Harper as Honourary Patron.

Laureen Harper will be working with the A.I.W. Dedication Committee to ensure that war animals of all species will be remembered for many years to come.

“The Dedication will commemorate the special role of animals in military operations throughout Canadian history. Much like the brave members of our Canadian forces, these animals have displayed tremendous courage in the face of adversity.”

Laureen Harper is well known for her love of animals, and continues to be a strong advocate for animal welfare. She is the recipient of the 2011 Heroes for Animals Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by The Humane Society of Canada, for distinguished voluntary leadership.

The Animals in War Dedication will reside in Confederation Park, Ottawa, just steps from the Boer War Memorial.

The Animals in War Dedication is a series of highly detailed, 2-inch, bas-relief plaques depicting animals in war from around the world. At the base of these plaques are descriptions of the images, produced in both official languages.

Visitors will learn interesting facts about the various war animals, their sacrifice, and above all, the unswerving dedication war animals gave to their human comrades.

The Dedication unveiling is tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2012.

OTTAWA, April 17, 2012 — The Animals in War Dedication Committee is pleased to announce the official launch of our website.

www.aiwdedication.ca is an interactive website, easy to navigate and designed to keep its visitors up to date on AIW Dedication progress. The site also enables people to make a donation online and follow the progress of funds raised. These funds will go towards the creation and maintenance of the Dedication, which will be located in Confederation Park in Ottawa, just steps from The Boer War Memorial. The Dedication unveiling is tentatively set for October 2012.

The creation of the AIW website would not be possible without the generous donation of time and services provided by Canadian company, Incognito Software Inc. www.incognito.com.  Incognito Software Inc. is a global provider of broadband software provisioning and activation solutions that help monetize Internet Protocol based subscriber and commercial services.

Information Designer, Ada Fu and Web Developer, Andrew Thong from Incognito applied their considerable expertise to the site, in collaboration with AIW Committee member Shalindhi Perera, who developed the content.

“Incognito has always been an active supporter of community causes. As an animal lover myself, I am proud to support this Dedication, honouring animals that have served and sacrificed their lives in human conflicts,” said Stephane Bourque, President and CEO at Incognito Software Inc.

www.aiwdedication.ca will serve as a valuable resource for everyone to learn more about our courageous war animals and the vital role they played in military history.

The Animals in War Dedication is a series of highly detailed 2-inch bas relief plaques depicting animals in war from around the world. The Dedication unveiling is tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2012.

Total cost required is $147,000 with a deadline of July 2012 for funding to be in place.

Contact: Shalindhi @ 613-842-5130 or [email protected]

Interview with Lloyd Swick on January 3, 2012 by Steve Madely from 580 CFRA News Talk Radio

Senator Yonah Martin joins the Animals in War Dedication Committee to assist with sponsorship and to help create awareness for the project.

Lloyd and the Senator

“I am pleased to join Mr. Lloyd Swick and his team to help acknowledge the remarkable contribution made by millions of animals in our military conflicts.

I was deeply touched to learn about the millions of unsung heroes of our wars, from the Boer War, to World War 1, to the war in Afghanistan. They served in battle, saved lives, pulled ambulances, hauled heavy supplies, delivered messages, sniffed out bombs, and became loyal companions.

I was personally touched by the story of the stray dogs that befriended and comforted our soldiers defending the Korean hills – particularly as we head towards the 60th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War in 2013.

The Animals in War Dedication, to be unveiled in Ottawa this fall, will be a long-awaited but fitting tribute to all the animals that served, suffered, and died alongside our Canadian soldiers.”

~ Senator Yonah Martin

http://www.rcinet.ca/english/column/the-link-s-top-stories/15-18_2011-07-20-canada-to-honour-service-animals-killed-in-war/ (CBC radio interview)

http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/07/12/vet-hopes-to-raise-100000-for-monument-to-pets-lost-at-war (Doug Hemptstead article) & vid.clip)

Lloyd Swick, 87, and some high-profile backers are on a mission to salute all creatures great and small that served in war, peace

The Ottawa Citizen
Sat Mar 6 2010
Section: News
Byline: Kelly Egan
Column: commentary

Monuments make no haste.

Nothing, for instance, could hurry the National War Memorial. Designed in 1926, erected in 1938 — so long a span the English designer, Vernon March, didn’t live to see King George VI pull back the curtain on Confederation Square on May 21, 1939. Lloyd Swick is 87. He doesn’t have a lifetime to wait. He had a lifetime to live. So, he’s in a hurrying mood.

(more…)