WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) has announced NBC’s National Dog Show host, actor/entertainer/TV personality John O’Hurley, will serve as its founding spokesperson.
O’Hurley joins his National Dog Show broadcast partner, David Frei, who is currently in place as a special advisor to the NSAM board. They will advocate for the initiative, which is moving into its next phase as fundraising efforts continue.
The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) has been authorized by Congress to establish the nation’s first and only monument honoring the heroic deeds and sacrifices of service animals and their handlers. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit approved through bipartisan legislation in 2022, will create a permanent national tribute in Washington, D.C., celebrating the loyalty, courage and life-saving work of service animals in the military, law enforcement, search and rescue, medical assistance and therapy fields. This bill was signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022.
“The human–animal bond has shaped and continues to be a part of our nation’s story from its earliest days,” said O’Hurley. “This monument will ensure that the enduring relationship is honored at the heart of our nation’s capital, and I am honored and excited to be a part of this.”
The organization is led by Susan Bahary, an internationally acclaimed sculptor known for her inspiring works honoring the animal-human bond along with service animals. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bahary created the nation’s first official war dog memorial, Always Faithful, dedicated at the U.S. Marine Corps War Dog Cemetery in Guam in 1994. Her other notable works include the bronze statue of President George H. W. Bush’s service dog, Sully at the Bush Presidential Library and The Pledge at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington Cemetery.
Making the announcement, Bahary said, “The world knows them for their devotion to the dogs in our lives. As we move forward, John and David are the ideal people to help us tell the stories of heroism and sacrifice of service and therapy animals, showing how this deep bond of trust and devotion has carried our nation through war, crisis, and recovery.”
Frei stated, “These animals, their people and organizations have long provided safety, independence, and healing to countless Americans, from veterans with PTSD and first responders to individuals with disabilities and those in need of comfort and support. I am thrilled to have John with us to help make it happen.”
O’Hurley and Frei will serve as masters of ceremony for Bonds of Service: A National Tribute at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, VA, on March 10, honoring service animals and handlers who have served our country in war, public safety, disability support and healing. The event will be hosted by NSAM, with the United States War Dogs Association serving as the title sponsor.
The final monument location and composition will be determined through federal review and approval process led by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, National Capital Planning Commission, and the National Park Service. With site selection underway and a $25 million fundraising goal, the project is projected for completion around 2030.
NSAM is currently working with a premier site selection consultant in Washington, D.C., cooperating with the National Park Service, to determine the best possible location for the monument. Once the site is secured and final design is approved by the Fine Arts Commission and the National Capital Planning Commission, construction will begin.
NSAM annually hosts the Purple Poppy Awards in recognition of service and therapy animals, their people and their organizations. At the third annual event last year, Frei hosted and received the NSAM Person of the Year Award, in recognition of his work as founder of Angel On A Leash, a nonprofit that provides volunteer therapy dog teams to various types of facilities that benefit from the healing energy and loving presence of dogs.
Contact:
Susan Bahary
Founder, NSAM
susan@nsamproject.org
Alyssa Almes
Vizion Group PR
vizionpr3@viziongroup.net
