Veteran-Dog Duo Honors Heroes Across Generations

VFW Post 2947 officer Eli Semer stepped up to honor local veterans at his community’s annual Memorial Day parade.

“Our Vietnam memorial float was on its last leg, so I decided to start building a new one,” he said.

But Semer didn’t undertake the project alone. His mother helped with historical research, while Semer’s service dog, Memphis, helped attract crowds come parade time.

“Through a long process,” he said, “my mom and I traced back KIA (killed in action) veterans from our county, all the way to the War of 1812, so that we could recognize them on our new float.”

Since its completion, Semer and Memphis have accompanied it in the annual Memorial Day celebration.

“As president of the VFW Ohio Riders 9th District, I ride on my motorcycle with Memphis in the sidecar,” Semer said. “He’s become famous in the local newspapers over the years, and he definitely brings a lot of attention to our Post.”

Semer explained that he is Still Serving with Memphis’ help to “honor veterans from our past as well as my fellow veterans and to build a legacy for our future ones.”