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USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, received an early retirement after developing a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his ear. A military dog tasked with protecting President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden during high-profile events was reunited with his former handler in a heartwarming reunion over the Memorial Day weekend. Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, was reunited with Army Specialist Kameron Markert after retiring as an elite bomb-sniffing dog in the U.S. Armed Forces, concluding a career that spanned five years. The pair first met in 2021 and traveled the world together, "completing two dozen security missions, including assignments protecting Presidents Biden and Trump," American Humane Society (AHS), a nonprofit animal welfare organization, which assisted in the reunion, said in a news release. "Using Attila's extraordinary nose to detect potential threats, the team protected civilians, their fellow service members, and high-profile VIPs, including Presidents Biden and Trump," AHS said. Some of those missions included the 2023 United Nations General Assembly Summit, the 2024 NATO Summit, and the Inauguration of President Trump in January 2025. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Watch Attila reunite with Markert in an emotional reunion Retired bomb-sniffing dog reunites with handler on Memorial Day Retired bomb-sniffing dog Attila reunites with his handler, Kameron Markert, in Colorado Springs after five years of service together. Video footage shared by AHS shows the family, consisting of Markert, his wife, 5-year-old son, 7-month-old daughter and two pet dogs — Bear, a black German shepherd, and Mia, a Belgian Malinois — welcoming Attila with cuddles and kisses to his new forever home on May 26 in Colorado Springs. Attila developed health complications after being separated from owner When Kameron Markert got reassigned to a new base in Colorado Springs in March 2025, he and Attila were separated after being together for almost three and a half years. When Markert left Fort Meyer in Virginia, he recalled "leaving half of his heart behind." However, soon after Markert left, Attila, despite being relatively young, was forced into an early retirement due to a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his rear that had to be removed, along with renal and kidney diseases, AHS said. "Like many German shepherds, Attila also developed hip dysplasia," AHS said, adding Markert had rallied for Attila's disposition "to help ensure his continued health and safety." When the time for Attila's retirement came, Markert eagerly stepped in with the hope of giving Attila the comfortable retirement he deserved. However, transporting the animal over 1,500 miles from Virginia to Colorado posed a major logistical challenge, especially since the family had just covered a 27-hour cross-country drive with two young children for their move. From Virginia to Colorado Markert, who was aware of AHS' military program and knew of other handlers who had successfully reunited with their retired military dogs through the program, reached out to the organization for assistance. An AHS expert then "personally picked up Attila from Fort Carson and escorted him on a flight to Colorado, where the canine veteran enjoyed his own seat in the cabin of the airplane—all at no cost to the Markerts," the news release said. AHS said it will also fund Attila's veterinary care for the rest of his life, as part of the program. Markert also shared that while Attila "has always been exceptionally gentle and tender with his 7-month-old daughter," the German shepherd is "more playful and affectionate" with his son. 'My wife is already 'mama' to him, he is so gentle with our kids, and he loves to play with our other dogs. He fits right into our family," Markert said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan Memorial Day Parade honors those who ‘gave all'
As Waukegan's Memorial Day Parade moved west on Washington Street toward Veterans Memorial Plaza, the drum cadence from members of the Waukegan High School JROTC was unmistakable. Not a rousing march, it was a serious and slower-moving sound. For the Rev. Richard Frontjes of Christ Episcopal Church, who offered the invocation and benediction for the ensuing ceremony, it meant the entrance to an important event. Clay Erickson, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who was at the city's Memorial Day events, said both taps — which came near the end of the ceremony — and the drum cadence have a similar meaning. 'All gave some,' Erickson said of members of the military. 'Some gave all,' he added, referring to those who lost their lives and are remembered on Memorial Day. Erickson and Frontjes were among more than 200 people who paid tribute to fallen members of the military with the city's annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday in downtown Waukegan. Mayor Sam Cunningham said the drum cadence during the parade is part of the mood-setting for the ceremony that follows. It pays tribute to the men and women of the military who fought wars risking and, sometimes, losing their lives to protect the freedom that citizens share. 'It helps us understand the sacrifice made for the liberties we have today in this country,' Cunningham said after the events. 'It helps us understand there are times when the armed forces are needed. You have the cadence to help us understand that.' Leading the parade were a group of veterans — many from American Legion Homer Dahringer Post 2981 — followed by a color guard composed of members of the Waukegan Fire Department, elected officials and the JROTC. Ron Painter, the commanding officer of the JROTC and a retired Army major, said Memorial Day is a time he thinks of people who died in action to protect Americans' freedom. Ana Martinez-Martinez is a JROTC member considering joining the military. Martinez-Martinez said she plans to join the Illinois Army National Guard when she graduates from Waukegan High School next spring. She is planning to start working on her application this summer. 'I want to do more than just go to a job,' Martinez-Martinez said, 'It will also help pay for my education.' After walking the three blocks on Washington, from Genesee Street to West Street, most of the marchers joined the crowd already assembled at Veterans Plaza. There, they paid tribute to those Erickson said 'gave all.' Sharing the story of Lt. Homer Dahringer, Cunningham said he was a graduate of Waukegan High, captained the basketball team at the University of Illinois and before the U.S. entered World War I, he completed officer training at Fort Sheridan. Flying planes behind enemy lines to gather information, Cunningham said, before he flew a mission on Sept. 16, 1918, Dahringer wrote a letter to his parents about a mission he was undertaking. He 'did not anticipate any trouble.' There was also foreshadowing. ''I am scheduled to fly an infantry liaison plane,'' Cunningham said, quoting the letter. ''It is the worst kind of work and everything rests with God. If I do not come back, you may know that I gave my all and my best to my country.' He never came back from that mission.' Lisa Madden, the board chair of Honor Flight Lake County, has spent most of her adult life involved with members of the military. Her husband is a U.S. Navy veteran and a police officer in Lake County. While people were enjoying time with friends and family, she said they need to pause. 'While it is not wrong to enjoy the freedom protected by those who served, we must remember there are many who are grieving their lost loved ones today,' Madden said. Taking the message of the day a step further, Cunningham suggested putting the memory of those killed in war into everyday life in, 'how we live, serve and care for one another as neighbors (and) citizens.' Some of Cunningham's words were not unlike the benediction offered by Frontjes. The pastor said it is important to remember those who were killed in action, but also to take a lesson from their lives. 'As we go forth from this place, may we carry in our hearts the memory of those who gave all,' Frontjes said. 'May their courage strengthen us. May their devotion to duty inspire us. And may their legacy of service guide us to live not only in comfort but in purpose.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scranton on Memorial Day: Pausing to remember the fallen
SCRANTON — At Monday's Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park, Master of Ceremonies Bill Stevens began his remarks reminding those attending of all the things Memorial Day is not. The holiday, he said, is not simply a chance to kick off the summer season with mattress sales, a cookout or the opening of your swimming pool. Instead, it serves as a day to remember the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in military service to their country. Its meaning he said, is steeped in honor and sacrifice. 'These people had an impact on the entire world.' he said. 'Remembering them is a small, but important, gesture.' * Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Area residents salute the American flag at a Memorial Day service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Boy Scout Rhys Otto, of Boy Scout Troop 16, leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Bill Stevens, Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day services in Scranton Monday, addresses the crowd. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * A crowd gathers at Veterans Memorial Park Monday to commemorate Memorial Day. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * David Ratzel and Billy Ratzel, stand near a memorial wall at the city's Veterans Memorial Park Monday. The two are family members of Wesley Ratzel, who was shot down over North Vietnam in May of 1972. His remains weren't returned to his family until 1989. He was honored at the Memorial Day service, along with other veterans who lost their lives in service. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Military veterans salute the American flag at Memorial Day services at Veterans Memorial Park Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 7 Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Remembering a local hero Capt. Wesley Ratzel, a graduate of the former Scranton Central High School is one of those men, Stevens said. Ratzel was a member of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Da Nang, South Vietnam. On May 18, 1972, he was the pilot of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter on a mission near Kep, Ha Bac Province, North Vietnam, when his plane was shot down. But, North Vietnam didn't let America know if he was alive or dead. For 17 years, his family believed he was a prisoner of war. Vietnam didn't return his remains until December 1988. It took another six months before U.S. military officials confirmed the remains were his and they were returned to his family. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Ratzel had always wanted to be an astronaut and to fly a plane. His military service as a pilot allowed him to fulfill part of that dream, Stevens said. His brother, David Ratzel, placed a memorial wreath at the monument reading — Those who gave their all. Forever remembered. — before addressing the crowd. He encouraged attendees to take time to thank veterans for their service to their country. Elizabeth Saylor, Wesley Ratzel's niece, remembers when her uncle went missing — she was in second grade. The family would not find out he had died until Saylor was about to get married. It was a great burden for all those years, she said. Saylor said the family found out only weeks ago her uncle would be honored. She credits Stevens with making it possible. Including the next generation Stew Thorp, assistant leader of Boy Scout Troop 16, brought scouts out to the event as a support to the community. One of the scouts raised the American flag. Another led the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts took time to interact with veterans and members of the community, even handing out the event's programs. 'We always want to help,' Thorp said.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day events across L.A. County to honor fallen soldiers
Communities across Southern California will commemorate Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades, concerts and family events honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here's a look at the festivities happening across Los Angeles County. Forest Lawn locations throughout Los Angeles County will host Memorial Day events featuring keynote addresses, patriotic music and ceremonial wreath presentations. Events begin at 10 a.m. in Covina Hills, Long Beach, Cypress and Hollywood, with an additional 1 p.m. ceremony at Forest Lawn Glendale. Fiesta Hermosa, Hermosa Beach's annual Memorial Day weekend festival, will hold a remembrance ceremony from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Monday at the Acoustic Stage on Pier Plaza and the Strand. In San Pedro, LA Fleet Week wraps up with a Memorial Day Observance at 5:15 p.m. in front of the USS Battleship Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd. The event will include a presentation of colors and a keynote speaker. Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes will host a 10 a.m. observance with skydivers, a mounted color procession, flyovers and music by the Caber Feidh Pipe Band. Lakewood will hold its annual tribute at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Del Valle Park. This year's keynote speaker is Jim Zenner, an Iraq War veteran and director of the L.A. County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. Inglewood will host its Memorial Day Service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Mall, 1 W. Manchester Ave. Redondo Beach will hold a 1 p.m. ceremony at Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade, with retired Rear Adm. Sandy Adams as the keynote speaker. The 33rd Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade begins with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. parade along Sherman Way from Owensmouth Avenue to Cozycroft Street. This year's theme honors fallen Canoga Park High School graduates. In Burbank, a 10 a.m. ceremony at McCambridge Park War Memorial will include a Condor Squadron flyover and a performance by the Burbank Community Band. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
International Business Times
26-05-2025
- General
- International Business Times
Memorial Day 2025: Parades, Ceremonies, Observances, Free Activities, and More
Memorial Day 2025 is here, and Americans are all set to honor the individuals who lost their lives while protecting the country. Every year, people in the U.S. observe this day on the last Monday of May. This year, it falls on May 26. People across the country pay tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and sacrificed their lives during the Civil War. Americans visit national cemeteries and memorials to honor and respect the soldiers and their families for their sacrifices. Local communities, organizations, and associations organize parades, ceremonies, observances, and free activities to remember the contributions of defense persons in protecting the country. Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of summer in the United States. Family gatherings, fun activities, and open-air markets are part of the celebration. Here is a complete guide to all events across the U.S. on Memorial Day 2025, including parades, ceremonies, observances, and free activities. Memorial Day Ceremony 2025 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosts ceremonies at various VA National Cemeteries on Monday (May 26). Veterans can visit cemeteries in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Memorial Day Parade 2025 Chicago will host one of the biggest Memorial Day Parades in the U.S. on Monday. City officials and veterans will take part in the parade with marching bands. Navy Pier will host fireworks at night over Lake Michigan. A parade from downtown Holland to Pilgrim Home Cemetery will take place on Monday (May 26) at 9:30 am. Another parade will happen at the Zeeland Cemetery. Parades will also occur at Grand Haven, Jenison, downtown Hudsonville, Jamestown, Plainwell, and Wayland. Carnivals and Festivals Jones Beach Air Show will take place outside New York City, featuring aerial performances by civil and military pilots. A Memorial Day Carnival will take place at Mill Valley Middle School and Day on the Green at Mill Valley Community Center on Monday (May 26). An open and free activity consisting of tour artists' studios featuring sculptors, photographers, and jewelry makers will take place at multiple locations in Point Reyes Station and Iverness Park areas.
