RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- An annual walk held in honor of U.S. military service dogs will return to the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on Saturday. The 4th-annual ".9K9" Virginia War Memorial Dog Walk will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The free event, which will be held rain or shine, is meant to honor and remember the contributions of military, law enforcement, search and rescue and other service dogs. The walk will begin inside the Virginia War Memorial's Heilman Amphitheater. Participants will then walk about .9 kilometers across the memorial's grounds. Educational panels posted along the course will allow participants to learn more about military service dogs -- and, with each stop, walkers will be able to get a special "Pawsport" stamped. Saturday's event comes just one day after National K-9 Veterans Day. On March 13, 1942, the U.S. Army began training for its War Dog Program, the "K-9 Corps" -- marking the first time dogs officially joined America's armed forces. Virginia is one of several states that officially commemorates this date. "K-9 Veterans Day has been officially commemorated in the Commonwealth of Virginia and at the Virginia War Memorial for 13 consecutive years since its inception in 2013," organizers said in a March 9 press release, "As March 13 falls on Friday this year, the 2026 '.9K9' Virginia War Memorial Dog Walk is being held on Saturday, March 14 to allow more dog owners and families to participate in this fun and educational event." If you and your furry friend would like to participate, you're asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday in order to register and get into place before the walk begins. Registration must be completed before 9:50 a.m. Saturday. You can also save time by preregistering online ahead of the event. Participating dogs must be on a leash and have an identification tag containing both their name and their owner's information on their collar. Additionally, while children under the age of 18 are welcome to participate alongside their dogs, all dogs must also be accompanied by an adult. However, you do not need to bring a dog in order to participate in the walk. All are welcome. For more information, click here. ...read more read less