Loyalty. Fidelity. Bravery. Throughout American history, dogs have remained faithfully by man’s side, in war and in peace. Researcher Elisabeth Phillips will explore the history of dogs in warfare from the Revolutionary War through the end of the Second World War to understand the origins of America’s modern military dog program.  

“Whether the dog served in New Jersey or Iwo Jima, alerted to 25 attacks or one, guarded the president of the United States or a crate of rations, they each played a pivotal part in the success of American military efforts in World War II. They showed that the bond between human and dog endures all things.”

Elisabeth Phillips (BA, MA) is the Education & Digital Learning Coordinator at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. Originally from Pennsylvania, Elisabeth is deeply involved in her community and looks forward to expanding her research on military dogs.

This program is part of America250: In 2026 the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Gearing up to that occasion the nation is encouraged to look back on our history. 

In relation to Fuzz we saw the futility of trying to bend wild animals to our whims and will. We then turned to an animal that is trainable, but who also embodies the American values such as loyalty, bravery, hard work. These are seen in working dogs and companion canines throughout our country’s history. With programs about what dogs do and symbolize we commemorate bonds of faithfulness, service and friendship, ideals we have carried as a nation since 1776.

Brought to you by the Lewis & Clark Library as part of the NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit http://www.arts.gov