This summer has been packed with several exciting events at the Military Women's Memorial and many opportunities to honor the contributions of America's servicewomen - and there is still so much more to come! From new stops on the "Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen” national tour, to Honor Flights at the Memorial, and our upcoming Women's Equality Day celebration in August, there are a variety of opportunities to pay a visit to Your Memorial this summer. Looking ahead to the fall, preparations are underway for MWM's 25th anniversary celebration this October, which will include a variety of events, service branch reunions and luncheons, a remembrance ceremony, and an open house in celebration of 25 years of the Military Women's Memorial.
We look forward to continuing to come together and highlight the stories of the incredible servicewomen who have defended our country, both past and present. Help us continue to celebrate the accomplishments of America's servicewomen by registering your service today.
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A Message From The President |
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Greetings,
June was an event-filled month for your Memorial as we welcomed visitors back to the Memorial following our partial renovation and the opening of the new multi-purpose room. From Honor Flight visits and tours, to promotion and retirement ceremonies and catered events where we got to test out our new accommodations, it was GREAT to be fully operational again. We’ve highlighted many of these activities in this edition of the MWM Newsletter.
25th anniversary planning is in full swing. As your help is critical to determining requirements for the events, you’ll also find in this newsletter a link to a brief survey which we’d be especially grateful for you to complete. With less than 100 days before the anniversary festivities, we are excited with anticipation as the countdown begins in earnest. Help us plan for a fun-filled, memorable three-days of honoring America’s servicewomen, past and present, and of spotlighting the Memorial that tells their story.
I add my personal congratulations to the hundreds of accolades received in honor of our beloved founding president Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, on the occasion of her award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. My MWM colleagues and I are humbled to be in her company and, with your help, to continue her trailblazing work here at the Military Women’s Memorial. I hope you enjoy this edition of the MWM Newsletter.
Very Respectfully,
Phyllis J. Wilson
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Brig. Gen. Vaught Awarded
the Presidential Medal of Freedom
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A cause for celebration – July 7, 2022, was a great day for the nation and military women, for on that day our very own Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden. The Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award, recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors”; and is bestowed only after careful deliberation of a lifetime of service from a distinguished career.
After nearly 29 years of exemplary and trailblazing service in the Air Force, the general devoted another 29 years to building and operating America’s only major Memorial to honor military women – what she describes as “the most important thing she has ever done.”
Congratulations, General Vaught. You changed the face of monumental Washington and put military women in the history books.
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New in the Military Women's Memorial Collection |
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Pictured: “Victory Red” lipstick by Elizabeth Arden, 1941 |
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You never know what you are going to find when renovating. The Tinsley family of Grand Junction, Colorado, was renovating a former Italian grocery store (circa 1909 to 1963) when they found a tube of lipstick in the ceiling. It wasn't just any lipstick, but Elizabeth Arden’s 1941 “Victory Red.” After learning of its significance, the Tinsleys chose to donate their discovery to the Military Women’s Memorial!
During World War II, bright red lipstick became a symbol of patriotism and an expression of strength and confidence, especially given Hitler’s reported hatred of red lipstick and makeup. Spurred on by the US Committee on Military-Industrial Production, which declared that cosmetics “are not just necessary, but also vital”, cosmetic companies stepped up production of red lipstick. One such company, Elizabeth Arden, was approached by the Marine Corps to produce a lipstick for Women Marines.
The result was “Montezuma Red:” which matched the hat cord, scarf and sleeve chevrons of their uniform. “Victory Red” was the civilian version. Other companies joined in with lipsticks named Regimental Red, Fighting Red, Rocket Red, Patriot Red, and Grenadier Red. “It was patriotism you could carry in your purse,” as Ilise S. Carter wrote in her book, The Red Menance: How Lipstick Changed the Face of American History.
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July HERstory Spotlight Video |
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Check out some of the historic flags in our collection. These flags commemorate the military service of women during World War I and the Gulf War.
The HERstory Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world-class collection!
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Thank You to our Corporate Donors, Partners, and Supporters! |
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A heartfelt thank you is extended to each of the Military Women’s Memorial partners! As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, your support and partnership, whether through monetary or in-kind donation, supports the important work and mission of the Memorial.
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Color Of Freedom Exhibit Opening
Buffalo Soldier National Museum, Houston, TX
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The Buffalo Soldier National Museum in Houston, Texas is the most recent stop on the “The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen” national tour.
The Houston community came together on June 10th to commemorate Women Veterans Day and Juneteenth with the opening of the Color of Freedom exhibit. U.S. Army SPC Vanessa Guillen, who is featured in the exhibit, was remembered during the event. Guillen’s sister Mayra was presented with a U.S. flag that was unfurled in Guillen's honor at the Military Women's Memorial. The exhibition will be on public display at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum until July 15th.
Thank you to Color of Freedom National tour sponsors Amazon, Iron Mountain, and Fluor for their generous support.
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Virginia tour dates
Made possible by Virginia Humanities:
August 21- September 11, 2022
Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2023
National tour dates
Made possible by Amazon Military and Iron Mountain:
June 11 - July 15, 2022
July 15 - September 15, 2022
San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio, TX
(Dates To Be Announced)
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This information session, sponsored by the Center for Women Veterans, will provide veterans and transitioning military service personnel in New York City with information on the variety of employment pathways into the city's workforce. If you would like to build a fulfilling career serving New Yorkers at one of the city's 80+ agencies, join us and see where your professional journey can take you!
New York City Civil Service 101
Information Session
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
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MWM President Phyllis Wilson Appointed to Department of Defense Reserve Forces
Policy Board
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Congratulations to Military Women's Memorial President, retired Army CW5 Phyllis J. Wilson on her appointment to the Department of Defense Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB). First established in 1951, the RFPB serves as an independent adviser to provide advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary of Defense on strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and effectiveness of the reserve components.
We are proud of President Wilson’s appointment to this prestigious and consequential advisory board. Her extraordinary service during a 37-year career in the Army and Army Reserve will be of great benefit to the RFPB and the men and women of the nation’s Reserve component forces.
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MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration
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Please plan to join us October 14-16 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Military Women’s Memorial dedication – the day America said thanks to the 3 million women who’ve served in her defense. We are putting together a series of celebratory events to commemorate this important milestone for military women and the nation. As we firm up details and venues, we need your help to get a good sense of the number of potential guests at each event. Please take a few minutes before July 22nd to complete and return this brief survey. Your responses will make all the difference in our planning.
We hope you will be a part of the festivities as we celebrate our memorial and honor your service. Event details and link to RSVP to come.
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Women Veterans Day Celebration |
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Women Veterans Day, June 12, at the Military Women’s Memorial was all about the 3 million women, past and present, who have served our great nation in peace and war. Featuring an open house which highlighted tours of the recently completed renovation of the theatre and other spaces, guests had the opportunity to share their appreSHEation by recording a “Servicewoman Salute” video and spend time learning about servicewomen’s remarkable journey and many contributions, beginning with the birth of the nation through to today’s military women.
Staff members were on hand to give tours, and provide information about the Square Foot Campaign and the Woman of Valor brooch, which was designed by famed jeweler Ann Hand and debuted during the 2021 Women Veterans Day program.
A special thank you to Wreaths Across America Radio who joined in the celebration with a live all-day broadcast from the Memorial. It was a great day!
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6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Congressional Gold Medal Celebration
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On June 15, families and friends of members of the famed World War II 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion came together at the Military Women’s Memorial to celebrate the passage of legislation awarding the unit the Congressional Gold Medal. The medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.
The event featured remarks by BG Hope Rampy, the Army’s 62nd Adjutant General; Mr. Elwood L. Robinson, Ph.D., the 13th Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University and scholar; and the Honorable Denis R. McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; as well as an introduction by actor Blair Underwood of his new musical “Six Triple Eight – The Musical,” which included a sneak peek at one of the musical numbers from the show.
Thank you to the many family members in attendance for graciously honoring and sharing the stories of the 6888th. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all-African American Women’s Army Corps unit that deployed overseas during WWII and is responsible for clearing more than 7 million pieces of mail from warehouses in England and France. Currently, in design, the medal will be presented at a later date.
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June Honor Flights at MWM |
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The Military Women's Memorial had the honor and privilege of welcoming a total of eight Honor Flight groups to the Memorial last month, including two all-women Honor Flights: Villages Honor Flight and Honor Flight Kentucky.
Congratulations to our women veterans who had the opportunity to be a part of these Honor Flights. We are honored to have been among the featured stops in the Nation’s capital and delighted to have you visit Your Memorial. Many thanks as well to all who make the Honor Flights happen.
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Three-Part Webinar Health Series Concludes |
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Thank you to HunterSeven Foundation for collaborating with the Military Women's Memorial to bring this especially informative and relevant three-part webinar series to our members and supporters. The series concluded last month with a roundtable discussion featuring veterans from various backgrounds who are all cancer survivors.
The panel included perspectives from individuals dealing with cancers such as Ewing’s sarcoma, thyroid cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia and speakers discussed their battle, from entering the service, to being diagnosed, and life afterward.
Access the recordings of all three of the sessions below.
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Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses - Match your skills and experience with open roles at Amazon now:
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Visit Amazon.jobs/military
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Click on "Veterans" or "Military Spouse"
- Enter your information, including branch affiliation, education, and experience.
The translator will match your skills to current job openings. Compare your skillset to the qualifications necessary for each position, and apply to the roles that best match your experience.
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We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Gift Shop at the Military Women's Memorial! Our temporary store at the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange is now closed. Visit us at the Memorial or shop our online gift shop today!
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Introducing the "Wilma" Doll! |
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In honor of her dedicated service to the nation and the Military Women's Memorial, you can now shop this one-of-a-kind collectible BG Wilma Vaught doll at the MWM Gift Shop. The exclusive "Wilma" doll is a unique keepsake to pay homage to our founding president and leader. |
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Women's Color of Freedom
Purple V-Neck T-Shirt
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Skirted Soldier Artisan Teas |
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Make a donation of $330 – a penny for each of the Memorial’s 33,000 sq ft – to help sustain and advance the efforts of the Military Women’s Memorial for the next 25 years.
As a member of the Square Foot Society, you become an honorary "owner" of America’s only major national memorial and historical repository documenting the stories of service of all women who have served in and with our military.
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Visit our Career Opportunities page to view our current openings: |
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Click the button below
to learn more about volunteering with MWM:
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Don't forget to keep your MWM account current! |
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Keeping your email and mailing addresses up-to-date allows us to provide you with the latest MWM program updates and information.
Please be sure to use a personal email address
for your MWM account.
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The Military Women’s Memorial is the only historical repository documenting the service of all women who’ve served in and with the nation’s military, beginning with the American Revolution. Located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, it features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories and artifacts, and engaging programs and events for all generations. |
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Here are a few ways you can continue to support
our mission!
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