Generally we simply want a little bit reminder to be grateful for our freedom. A narrative that pulls on the heartstrings. Possibly a superbly timed picture or a memorial value touring to see. No matter type of reminder it’s essential to bear in mind the sacrifices made to maintain our world protected, South Sioux Metropolis has it coated. Throughout the borders of South Sioux Metropolis and positioned six miles Siouxland Freedom Park Interpretive Middle lies a canine park in contrast to some other.
A Place To Bear in mind Our Heroes With Two Toes Or 4
South Sioux Metropolis has devoted a five-acre canine park and erected a statue to honor South Sioux Metropolis native, Petty officer 1st Class John Douangdara. It additionally honors his canine, Bart. The canine park is a haven for canine lovers to spend a while bonding with man’s finest pal. It’s additionally an emblem of the appreciation of Douangdara and Bart who tragically misplaced their lives in Afghanistan.
In response to KETV 7, on August sixth 2011, Douangdara and 29 different American troopers misplaced their lives when their CH-47 Chinook army helicopter was violently shot down in Wardak province. Douangdara was a Navy Particular Warfare member who was partnered with Bart. The pair executed dangerous missions that saved numerous lives. Sadly, Bart was additionally aboard the helicopter and misplaced his life within the crash.
Regardless of his younger age, Douangdara had already served on 5 excursions of responsibility abroad.
“I don’t suppose my brother would name himself a hero. He was doing his job, doing what he believed in. However in our hearts, he’ll all the time be our hero,” stated Chan Follen.
Along with their statue, Bart was additionally acknowledged by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Affiliation for his “dedication to mankind by way of unselfish and brave service.”
Heroes By no means Die
Douangdara and Bart could also be gone from this earth, however their reminiscence and the contributions they made to their neighborhood are endlessly memorialized. As Veteran’s Day and the anniversary of their demise strategy annually, guests to the park are inspired to go away a small token symbolizing the affect Douangdara and Bart had on their lives. A penny means somebody visited the statue; a nickel means they went by way of fundamental coaching collectively; a dime means they served collectively in some capability.
Although Bart and Douangdara have been gone for a number of years, their sacrifice continues to make an affect. It isn’t uncommon to seek out the statue adorned with flowers, letters, or an American flag. Douangdara is buried in Arlington Nationwide Cemetery however his picture and reminiscence together with Bart’s dwell on, side-by-side endlessly in John Douangdara Memorial Canine Park. The pair that have been inseparable in life at the moment are inseparable in demise.
h/t: www.ketv.com
Featured Photograph: Fb
