Twenty-five Marine war dogs gave their lives in the liberation of Guam in 1944, and many others later died in the wars of the United States. They served the Marine Corps devotedly alongside Marines in combat, and many Marines owed their lives to the bravery and sacrifice of these animals. Called Always Faithful, they were honored as embodiments of love and devotion. The first casting rests in the War Dog Cemetery in Guam, where surviving Marines of the 2nd and 3rd War Dog Platoons placed it and dedicated it on the 50th anniversary of the island's liberation under Captain William W. Putney, DVM, commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Corps War Dog Platoon. It also stands in memory of all Marine war dogs, in perpetual gratitude for their service and sacrifice to Corps and country.

Photo: Devry Becker Jones (CC0)