Thank you for joining us for this edition of The Register, the Military Women’s Memorial monthly e-newsletter. You’ll find information about members, Memorial updates, upcoming events and activities, foundation actions, important dates in servicewomen’s history, our donors and volunteers, and so much more. Its our way of keeping you informed, not only about the Memorial, but of the many opportunities to be a part of our mission of honoring each and every one of America’s servicewomen.
Don’t forget to help an eligible woman, past or present, take her rightful and visible place in history by registering her service, today. We hope you enjoy this edition of The Register.
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A Message From The President | |
Greetings. Thanks for opening this issue of The Register. This is one of the many ways we try to keep you informed about activities that are taking place at the Memorial as well as other items that relate to the Memorial or military women. June and July were especially active with a number of activities at the Memorial as well as other events where I had the opportunity to participate and speak about the long and remarkable service of military women and their contributions to the nation’s defense.
While there were many dates in June that gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon military women’s service, July presented more – the 80th anniversary of the Cadet Nurse Corps and the Women’s Army Corps, as well as the 74th anniversary of the Air Force Nurse Corps on July 1; the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice on July 27 – for military women, a nurse’s war; and on July 30 the 81st anniversary of the Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES). All were trailblazers who made it possible for thousands of women to follow and serve the nation in peace and war.
I had the honor of providing remarks at the opening of MWM’s The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen traveling exhibition at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock on June 17. It was a great event. A highlight for me was the opportunity to meet one of the Little Rock Nine students, Elizabeth Eckford. An MWM member, Ms. Eckford, was an Army specialist from 1967-1972. It was an incredible moment to reflect on the nation’s civil rights journey. Specialist Elizabeth Eckford is the featured profile in this month’s “Stories from the Register” section.
I also had the privilege of attending the July 17th Military Times Service Members of the Year Awards Dinner. For the past 21 years, the Military Times Foundation has honored one outstanding military (Active Duty, Guard or Reserve) member from each military service. These individuals are selected based on exemplary military service that goes beyond the call of duty. This year, three women were among the honorees – Air Force Nurse Major Katie Lunning, Wisconsin Air National Guard, was named Airman of the Year; Captain Victoria Garcia, US Space Force, Guardian of the Year; and US Coast Guard Lieutenant Chelsea Sheehy was named Coast Guardsman of the Year. From the evacuation at the Kabul airport, to the waters off Florida and the vast mission in space, these stories of service were amazing and inspiring. I was so proud of them! Visit www.servicemembersoftheyear.org to learn more about these extraordinary women.
We hope you enjoy this edition of The Register. Remember to say thanks to the servicewomen of World War I on August 18 when the 19th Amendment was ratified and again on August 26, Women’s Equality Day, when it was certified and became official. It was the service of the women of World War I that pushed the effort to give women the vote over the finish line. Also, there’s still time for you or your organization to purchase an honorary square foot of the Memorial. Learn more about this special MWM project and how you can be a part of it at https://womensmemorial.org/square-foot-society/. And, don’t forget to make your reservations for the 2024 Women Veterans Cruise. You’ll find more info about the cruise later in the newsletter. Four more weeks of summer – looking for cooler days!
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New in the Military Women's Memorial Collection | |
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Posters possess visual appeal and are easily reproducible—they can be pasted on buildings, hung in windows of homes, put up in workplaces, and resized for placement on public transportation or in magazines. As a means of communication, their messages and designs can inspire, inform, and persuade. Shortly after the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the US government needed to convince the American public to participate in the Great War “Over There.” To accomplish this task, the government’s public information committee formed a Division of Pictorial Publicity in 1917 and reached out to the country’s best illustrators to volunteer their artistic talents to the war effort. Some of the most iconic American images were produced at this time—Uncle Sam pointing to the viewer and Lady Liberty. During World War I, the impact of the poster was greater than at any other time during history.
This 1918 poster, “Every Girl Pulling for Victory” by Edward Penfield, was one of the many posters issued by the US government during World War I to encourage support. Penfield was a famous illustrator known for his posters, which used simple shapes and a limited color palette to stand out.
While women’s roles were limited during the war, the country needed their skills to pursue the war effort and to move male soldiers out of office jobs and industrial work and onto the battlefield. Women could be found not only in the office but also in factories and in shipyards.
This poster asked for support of the United War Work Campaign. The Campaign was created the day World War I ended and was formed by a coalition of America’s biggest organizations: YMCA, YWCA, The American Library Association, Jewish Welfare Board, Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, and War Camp Community Service. These groups combined were called the “Seven Sisters” and helped raise money to aid Europe and the troops there after the war.
This poster came to the Military Women’s Memorial Collection from someone very special to MWM—Barbara (Fahs) Charles. Barbara, along with partner Bob Staples, who passed away in November 2021, founded Staples & Charles, a Washington, DC-based museum planning and exhibition design firm. They had been consultants for MWM since the mid-1990s and designed almost all the exhibits in the Memorial. Some of their other clients include the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, Yale University Art Gallery, Detroit Institute of Arts, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Coca-Cola Company, and South African Breweries.
We are extremely grateful to Barbara not only for the donation of the poster to the Collection but also for her support of MWM over the years.
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Elizabeth “Betty” Splaine joined the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, the SPARS, during World War II. She continued her service after the war for another twenty years, becoming the Coast Guard’s first female warrant officer in 1958. She retired in 1970 as a CWO4. Betty was also a longtime member of the Military Women's Memorial Board of Directors. 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. | |
Stories From The MWM Register |
On September 3, 1957, nine young African American high school students, exercising their rights under the landmark 1954 Brown v. The Board of Education Supreme Court ruling that segregated schools were illegal, attempted to enter Little Rock’s Central High School. On orders by the governor, Arkansas National Guard troops barred the students’ entrance. Several subsequent attempts were thwarted by the Guard and angry mobs despite repeated orders by federal judges. Finally, after President Eisenhower federalized the National Guard and sent soldiers from the Army’s 101st Airborne to guard the students, the Little Rock Nine began class attendance at Central High on September 25, 1957. Among these young, courageous trailblazers was a future member of the Women’s Army Corps, Elizabeth Eckford. MWM president CW5 Phyllis Wilson met Ms. Eckford at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock during the opening of MWM’s The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen traveling exhibition.
Learn more about the Little Rock Nine by clicking on the "Learn More" button below.
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We are proud to feature former Women’s Army Corps Specialist Elizabeth Eckford as this edition’s featured “Stories From The Register.“ Ms. Eckford is the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, the NAACP Spingarn Medal, and the Humanitarian Award presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice.
You can learn more about Elizabeth Eckford by clicking the "Learn More" button below.
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Thank You to our Corporate Donors, Partners, and Supporters! | |
A heartfelt thank you is extended to each of the Military Women’s Memorial partners! As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, MWM thanks you for your support of the Memorial's important work for the past 25 years! | |
Thank You to MWM's Partner of the Month | |
The Military Women's Memorial is grateful to Team Rubicon for their years of steadfast support. If there is a big project on the horizon, rest assured MWM knows Team Rubicon will be there in force to see the project to the end and ensure success. They show up in number and get stuff done, every time.
In recent years, Team Rubicon has been instrumental in packing up and readying the Memorial for renovation and then returning to unpack and help MWM prep for reopening, all under very tight time constraints. From moving heavy artifact cases and fixtures and deconstructing a massive built-in structure to protecting the exhibits and hauling heavy items to overflowing dumpsters for removal, we could not have done it without every single Team Rubicon member who volunteered their time.
As if that were not enough, Team Rubicon returned to help with our library renovation. They delicately removed and protected all books and materials and dismantled all the shelving to make way for library-grade shelving donated to MWM. Given the mounting requirements and the constraints of the library space, this project proved to be more complicated and time-consuming than anticipated. In the end, MWM has a beautifully upgraded library thanks to Team Rubicon's hard work.
A special thank you to Evan Farley, Team Rubicon North Branch - Northern Virginia Metro Administrator, who has always answered our call and rallied his team to help. He is a fantastic project manager and always shows up with a smile and enthusiasm, ready to tackle any task at hand.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities. Through continued service, Team Rubicon seeks to provide veterans with three things - a purpose, community, and identity, all of which veterans often struggle with after transitioning from military to civilian life.
Learn more about Team Rubicon by clicking the "Learn More" link below.
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MWM Volunteers
Our volunteers serve in a variety of roles in support of the Memorial. Always eager to help, our volunteers are a dedicated group. Every day, they roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.
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Kim (pictured second from right) and her mom Lynn (far right) at Camp Legacy during the Vietnam Commemoration on the National Mall. Also pictured is Pat Jernigan (far left). | |
Ask and you shall receive. Prior to the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War 3-day event on the National Mall, our MWM team was in contact with Kim Enderle, MWM member, to discuss the event. Before we could barely get the words out, Kim had offered to volunteer with MWM in our tent for the full three days. A Massachusetts resident, Kim, accompanied by her mother Lynn and faithful canine companion Maggie, would make the long road trip to Northern Virginia. Our team was elated.
LTC Kim Enderle, US Army (Ret), has quite a few memorable moments of her time in the military. An Army aviator, combat veteran, and trailblazer in her own right, Kim had a remarkable career, some of which she addresses in her MWM registration.
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Kim told us that she joined the Army because Aviation is in her blood. Her dad and uncle Bob Enderle were both pilots in the US Air Force. On her mom's side of the family, Kim's great uncle Sherod Derryberry was a pilot in the Army Air Forces (AAF). Sadly, he was killed during a training flight in the US before deploying to Europe. Kim's uncle Sherod Mallow, her mom’s brother, was a UH-1H and AH-1 instructor pilot and pilot in command. He served in Vietnam from December 1967-December 1968.
Kim's father, Clyde Wilson Enderle, was a major in the USAF. He was a UH-1P Instructor Pilot and Pilot in Command assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron out of Ban Me Thuot. He was killed in action on 19 March 1970 in Darlac Province, about 12 miles east of the Cambodian border. He was on a training mission with a new co-pilot, CPT Carlos A. Estrada, and TSGT James W. Greenwood. A fourth crew member survived the crash. It was a two ship mission, his aircraft was shot down and had a post-crash fire. The other aircraft landed and retrieved the door gunner. He’s still alive but doesn’t communicate with anyone but the NCO who went in and retrieved him.
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Kim's dedication to our military women is visible in all she does. We cannot thank Kim, her mom Lynn, and Maggie enough for making the long roadtrip from Massachusetts to lend their time to support MWM for the Vietnam War Commemoration. It was a pleasure to spend a few days with them as we welcomed home and thanked our Vietnam Veterans and shared MWM's mission. | |
A HUGE thank you to our volunteers for their support and excellent representation of the Memorial. Click the link below to learn more about volunteering with MWM! | |
MWM Ambassadors On Duty
MWM Ambassadors form our day-to-day grassroots connection to women veterans across the United States. They support MWM’s mission by encouraging military women, past and present, to register their story of service in the Memorial’s Register.
With Women Veterans Recognition Day being celebrated across the country, June was a busy month for our MWM Ambassadors. From tables at conventions and bases, to speaking engagements and golf tournaments, to presenting Living Legend Proclamations, they were out in their communities in force, honoring our servicewomen and women veterans and spreading the word about their Memorial.
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Top Row
Ambassador Judy Pearson presented an MWM Living Legend Proclamation to a WWll Coast Guard SPAR at the Georgetown Veterans Home in Ohio. She also presented two other residents with their MWM Register profiles.
Surrounded by women veterans, Ambassador Betty Gonzalez presented Velma Jesse, WWII Army veteran, with an MWM Living Legend Proclamation for her 103rd birthday.
Ambassador Beth Liechti Johnson was guest speaker at the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Tea Party hosted by women of VFW 1433 Auxiliary, where she met Lee Doucet-Sullivan, 102 yrs, who served during WW II. Included is a photo of her taken when they asked her to pose for a poster about buying war bonds.
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2nd Row
Guests at VFW Post 1433 in Glendale, AZ, where Ambassador Beth Liechti was guest speaker at the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Tea Party hosted by women of VFW 1433 Auxiliary
Ambassador Sistah Petty - Prince George’s Community College Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration
Ambassador Marissa McCarter spoke at the Idaho Women Veterans Conference about the importance of registering military women, past and present, at the Military Women's Memorial.
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3rd Row
Ambassador Jill Henry - Illinois American Legion State Convention with her husband Gordon Herbert, an honorary ambassador, in Springfield, IL
Ambassador Sue Magaletta presented an MWM Living Legend Proclamation to Sp(T)2 Jean Lee Krull, WWII U.S. Navy WAVES on her 100th birthday.
Ambassador Amy Swinford participated in the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) Women Veterans Conference hosted by the Tri-County Women Veterans group. She had quite a few visitors to her MWM table.
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4th Row
Ambassador Kathy Silvia spent June 12th at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA, registering women veterans in the MWM Register, ensuring their stories are preserved and told.
Ambassador Shannon Sander - Albany, NY, celebration of Women Veterans
Ambassador Joy Asuncion - Presented U.S. Army Retired LtCol Brenda Mierzejewski Pennels with our Military Women's Memorial Challenge Coin.
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2023 MWM MATCHMAKER CHALLENGE
A Legacy of Love
In Honor and Memory of Barbara and Maryellen Simpson
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The bond between a mother and daughter is beyond compare - without bounds. A mother’s every memory and experience are treasures, especially for a young girl, as they are clues to who her mom was and is – clues to what makes her shine in the way that she does. A mother’s accomplishments and passions make us beam with pride, compelling us to embrace them as our own - sharing them with our mothers while we are together, carrying them forward in comfort and pride when they are no longer with us, and ensuring the legacy of our loved one endures.
Barbara Simpson did not serve in the military, yet she was a steadfast supporter of the Military Women’s Memorial. She was a Circle Guardian, a friend of the Memorial during the best and worst of times. Why would someone dedicate their unwavering support to a Memorial that has nothing to do with them? Or does it? The Memorial was her mother’s Memorial and her passion, and so it became Barbara’s passion – a way to celebrate her mother’s service with her when she was alive, honor her accomplishments, and ensure her legacy would live on.
WWII Army veteran, SSG Maryellen (Hagan) Simpson served as a member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and Women’s Army Corps (WAC) from 1943 to 1945. She was a Charter Member of the Memorial and so proud to know that there was a national memorial that honored her service and that of her sisters-in-arms. Barbara, her daughter, honored her mother by registering her mother’s service in the Memorial’s Register, a national database containing the service and personal stories of more than 308,500 women who served and are serving their nation. Even after her mother passed, Barbara continued to support the Memorial, as it was a passion she too embraced - a tangible way to honor and remember her mother.
Sadly, Barbara passed away recently. In her will, she left a bequest to the Memorial in memory of her mother, Maryellen. This gift to the Memorial was important to Barbara – a gift to remember her mother, their shared passion, and her heritage. Barbara was comforted knowing her mother’s legacy would live on in perpetuity at HER Memorial.
Barbara’s cousin Susan, who represents the family, wanted to ensure that Barbara’s gift to the Memorial had the greatest impact possible, as that is what Barbara and Maryellen would have wanted. She chose to fund the 2023 MWM Matchmaker Challenge, a 2-week long challenge to servicewomen, veterans, mothers and daughters, friends of servicewomen, and supporters of strong women to support the Military Women’s Memorial with a donation. The family also strongly encourages participants to register themselves and their loved ones at the Memorial. Fittingly, this 2-week, $25,000 challenge will end on Women’s Equality Day – the perfect day to celebrate and remember the women in our lives.
When you donate to the 2023 MWM Matchmaker Challenge on or before Women’s Equality Day, your donation will be matched by Barbara Simpson’s estate in memory of her mother. For every $1 donated, the Hagan/Simpson family will match the donation, up to $7,500 in total. If we reach our goal of $25,000 in matchmaker donations by Women’s Equality Day, August 26, 2023, they will donate an additional $2,500 to the 2023 MWM Matchmaker Challenge! Help MWM make the match – Become a 2023 MWM Matchmaker by donating today. Thank you for your support.
We are extremely grateful to Barbara and Maryellen Simpson for not only their generous donation, but also their passion for and support of the Memorial, and the legacy they are leaving for their family, the next generation of military women, and mothers and daughters everywhere. A true legacy of love.
To Triple Your Impact, donate and ask your company to match your gift to the Military Women’s Memorial, a nonprofit 501(c)(3).
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Help the Hello Girls
Congressional Gold Medal
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Fort AP Hill Renaming -
Fort Walker
| In a ceremony scheduled for August 25, 2023, Fort A. P. Hill, in Bowling Green, VA, will be renamed Fort Walker, after MWM Charter Member Dr. Mary Edwards. Dr. Walker was the first woman surgeon in the Civil War, and the only woman in the nation’s history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The renaming is in response to the requirement established in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The law established a “Naming Commission” that was to develop a list that could be used to “remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America from all assets of the Department of Defense.” In an earlier action, another Army installation, Fort Lee, was formally renamed Fort Gregg Adams. The name, in part, is after a military woman, former Army WAC LTC Charity Adams Earley. | | |
NAS Oceana Air Show
Celebrating 50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation
September 16-17, 2023
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Mark Your Calendars. It's a celebration of 50 YEARS of Women in Naval Aviation!
The Military Women's Memorial will be at the NAS Oceana Air Show, September 16-17. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about the schedule of events, click on the button below.
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MWM Community Service Day
Wreaths Across America Day
December 16
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Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, America's servicemembers are honored and remembered with wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
This Wreaths Across America Day, join fellow Military Women's Memorial members and friends in laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes that have served and defended our nation. Our Community Day will end with a wreathlaying on the Military Women's Memorial Plaza. Our MWM team will also be volunteering on the MWM plaza, serving hot chocolate and hot cider to all Wreaths Across America Day participants.
MWM Volunteers will receive a light breakfast, snacks, hot beverages, and exclusive access to the Memorial (and our bathrooms) throughout the event, as we will be closed to the public.
We will have a link to MWM Wreaths Across America Day volunteer shirts soon. Stay tuned.
| Can't join us? Do good twice. Sponsoring a wreath to be laid on December 16th also supports the Military Women's Memorial – $5 from every wreath sold on MWM's Sponsor A Wreath page is donated back to us and helps to further our mission of honoring America's servicewomen. |
Women Veterans Networking Cruise
8 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas
Sailing on April 13, 2024
Over 20 Cabins booked! Stay tuned for a Women Veterans Cruise Group Facebook page for all who have booked for this cruise through Moore Travel.
Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Willemstad, Curacao – Oranjestad, Aruba – Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
- Ocean View Balcony (Cat 4 D) $1629.11 per person
- Ocean View (Cat 2 N) $1399.11 per person
- Interior (Cat 4 V) $1185.11 per person
This event is open to all veterans and supporters. Spouses, children, friends, and family are welcome to attend! Group events and amenities are exclusively available to guests booked through MOORE Travel.
For more information or to book your cruise, contact:
MOORE TRAVEL
5188 Hwy 190 W, Livingston, TX 77351
travel@mooretrav.com
936-967-2929 or 888-327-5806
| 23k in 2023 – Register Today! |
We’ve launched an all-out effort to increase registrations by 23,000 in 2023. Registrations to date total 4,105.
Today, at 17.85% of our 2023 campaign goal, your continued help remains critical to this worthwhile effort.
We can't do it without you!
Learn more about MWM's National Registration Campaign below:
| Registration is easy and free. | If you know of a woman, past or present, living or deceased, who has served our great nation in uniform, help her take her rightful and visible place in history for all time by registering her service with the Memorial – America’s only major national memorial to honor women’s service to the nation. |
Education and Programs
MWM Presents at Virginia War Memorial’s Teacher Institute
| On July 11th, the Military Women’s Memorial had the opportunity to present at the Virginia War Memorial’s Teacher Institute: Virginia and the Great War. The MWM team, consisting of Jessie Henn (Programs and Education), Amy Poe (Collections Manager), and fellow Corinne Davenport, traveled by MWM van to Richmond the prior day, raising awareness of the Memorial from the road. This trip was made possible thanks to the Loud and Clear: Amplifying HERstory in the Classroom grant MWM received through Virginia Humanities. We received the grant, in part, thanks to letters of support from the Virginia War Memorial, so it was especially rewarding to present content from the grant there. | |
Dr. Biden addresses some 300 women veterans and guests at the Military Women's Memorial during the National Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration on June 12th. | |
National Women Veterans Day Celebration &
Women’s Armed Services Integration Act 75th Anniversary
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With more than 300 guests joining the festivities, June 12, Women Veterans Recognition Day, was truly a day of celebration at MWM. The day was particularly special as it was the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, the legislation that gave women a permanent place in America’s military and the opportunity for a military career. We wanted the day to be a celebration – a day of pride, a day to recognize our trailblazers, a day to embrace women’s legacy of service, a day to envision future possibilities. From our 103-year-old World War II Army nurse to the currently serving Army musicians, and our beloved Brigadier General Vaught, everyone was in celebratory mode.
Headlining the event was First Lady Dr. Jill Biden whose remarks made everyone feel special – that our service mattered. “Around us today, are the names and faces of women who led others into battle, saved lives, and shattered glass ceilings, said Dr. Biden. This audience is a testament to the progress we can make when we invest in women and believe in them. … Today, the United States has the greatest fighting force in the world. Our nation is stronger and our world safer. And that’s thanks to you.”
Joining Dr. Biden on stage was Senator Susan Collins, who today, holds the Senate seat of former Senator Margaret Chase Smith, champion of the 1948 legislation. Senator Collins spoke about the legislation and the iconic Senator Smith, after which she and the First Lady presented Brig. Gen. Vaught with MWM’s Senator Margaret Chase Smith Leadership Award. The award recognizes leaders who follow in the senator’s footsteps – a patriotic visionary who helped make it possible for women to participate and contribute equally in our nation’s armed forces.
Other speakers included Ms. Shelly Stoneman, Chair, Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS); and Ms. Lourdes Tiglao, Director, Center for Women Veterans. And, in a special segment of the program we titled “bookends,” we presented two World War II nurses with Living Legend Proclamations: 101 year old Army Nurse 1LT Clara Evans and 103 year old Regina Benson. The bookend at the other end of this amazing journey of service was US Space Force Lt. Col. Alison Gonzalez who wowed us all with her story and the vision of the future. There was no doubt that “we had come a long way, Baby!”
Celebrating our service and providing inspiration with their tremendous musical talent were BMI Award-Winning Producer, Grammy Nominated Songwriter, and 3-Time Academy of Country Music Awards Nominee Stokes Nielson and songwriter and actress Alyssa Shouse Longoria, who presented our special anthem “Military Women - Strength of America,” the song they debuted at our 25th anniversary.
Closing out the festivities and performing a specially curated set of pieces just for the occasion was The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” concert ensemble.
Our thanks to L’Oreal for providing lovely gifts for our guests.
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July 4th Celebration
Military Women's Memorial
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We were delighted to once again declare that the Military Women’s Memorial boasts the DC area’s best venue to appreciate the spectacular night commemorating America’s independence and enduring ideals of freedom and liberty! Nearly 200 celebrants attending the July 4th extravaganza enjoyed a front row seat from MWM’s stunning rooftop terrace for DC’s dazzling fireworks display. We hope you enjoy these pictures of the fireworks. | |
"Giving in July"
Teaching the Importance of Honoring Those Who Serve
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After many years of collaboration, we finally made it official! On July 9, 2023, Military Women’s Memorial (MWM) president Phyllis Wilson and Wreaths Across America (WAA) executive director Karen Worcester signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding with Wreaths Across America (WAA), the nonprofit that each year coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies in December for National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. The MOU formalized the long-time relationship and supports a common goal of honoring and telling the stories of America’s military. The two organizations will work together to identify a variety of initiatives that spotlight and further this important goal.
The MOU signing was part of a free, all-day joint “Giving in July” event at the Memorial complete with Christmas trees and refreshments. Guests had the opportunity to take part in:
- A Giving in July opportunity to “Do Good Twice” by sponsoring a wreath for the December National Wreaths Across America Day. For every wreath sponsored, MWM earned $5.
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Visit WAA’s Mobile Education Exhibit, which highlights and shares WAA’s mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
- Make a replica dog tap to be hung at WAA’s 10-acre Military Women’s Memorial Grove in honor or memory of a servicewoman. The grove, located in Maine, is where the balsam tips are harvested to make the veterans’ wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day.
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Be part of a live broadcast of Wreaths Across America Radio which aired throughout the day, sharing stories of service and success!
It was a fun day for guests, MWM, and WAA staff members.
At the end of July, the dog tags made at the Memorial were hand carried to Maine by MWM President Phyllis Wilson for a special Wreaths Across America Stem to Stone event. Phyllis and MWM Ambassador Joy Asuncion carefully hung each dog tag in the Military Women's Memorial Grove at Wreaths Across America (WAA). The grove was generously dedicated to military women by WAA almost 2 years ago.
Wreaths Across America Day, December 16, is an MWM Community Service Day. We will be laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and supporting all participants with hot chocolate and cider on the plaza.
To sponsor a wreath to be laid during National Wreaths Day this December or to sign up to volunteer for our MWM Community Service Day, click on the links below.
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MWM Sign Installed at
Arlington National Cemetery
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In an effort to ensure maximum visibility and awareness of the Military Women's Memorial AND our Education Center, our team worked with Arlington National Cemetery on the design of a new sign that incorporates our MWM name and logo. The sign was recently installed and it looks fantastic. We have had so much great feedback.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Arlington National Cemetery for their support of this project and bringing increased awareness to the Memorial.
Love the new sign? Want to say thank you to Arlington National Cemetery for their support? Click on the link below to comment on our Facebook post about the sign.
If you don't already follow us on Facebook, be sure to click "Follow" once you are on our page.
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Square Foot Society
Honor Her Legacy
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Honor a Servicewoman
There is no more appropriate way to recognize her service, contributions, and commitment to the nation than with an honorary square foot of her Memorial, the only national memorial that honors her service.
With your donation, she will become an honorary "owner" of the Memorial and receive an exclusive Military Women’s Memorial ‘Square Foot Society’ membership coin and certificate of recognition, which arrive neatly packed in an MWM box.
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Thank you to the Colorado Division of Veteran Affairs for supporting the Military Women's Memorial and honoring Colorado women veterans through the purchase of a square foot. | |
Calling all Military, Veteran, Patriotic, & Women’s Organizations | |
Local chapters, posts, and clubs of various military, veteran, patriotic, and women’s organizations across the nation are using MWM’s Square Foot Campaign to honor their servicewomen members, past and present. Meaningful, affordable, enduring and visible, there is no grander way to recognize her service, contributions, and commitment to the nation than with an honorary square foot of her memorial.
We are doing great things together, and we are so proud and grateful each of you are part of our incredible community. We are StrongHER Together!
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Our new embroidered MWM logo visor is great for every activity under the sun. With its adjustable loop and hook closure, you never have to worry about a perfect fit or securely attaching it to your tote or workout bag when not in use. | |
Our t-shirts are soft, comfortable, and a great addition to every wardrobe. Perfect for the dog days of summer and year round. Great by themselves and stylish under a blazer.
Get your MWM t-shirt today or purchase one as a gift to show your appreSHEation.
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With over 100 different books to chose from, you'll find your perfect summer reads at your favorite MWM Gift Shop. | |
25th ANNIVERSARY ORNAMENT | Christmas in August? Take advantage of our sale on 25th anniversary ornaments to stock up on great gifts and stocking stuffers for the holidays. | |
Support MWM
Shop our Amazon Wishlist
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Thank you to our amazing village of MWM members, and supporters who have purchased items from our MWM Amazon Wishlist. We have received books for our library, copy paper, wheelchairs, plastic tablecloths for events, office supplies, and more. Not all packages have arrived with a gift slip stating the name of the purchaser, so we apologize if we have not contacted you personally. Your generosity makes an impact on how we operate and accomplish our mission, every day. Thank You!
Amazon is an easy way to support the Military Women's Memorial! Not only does it take a village to keep the efforts of the Memorial going, but also needed are a great deal of operational materials. Check out our Amazon Wishlist below, where you can easily purchase and donate an item that the Memorial needs, directly from Amazon!
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Most-Needed Items
- Copy paper
- Printer toner cartridges
- Tablecloths
- Bubble mailers
- Sheet protectors for 3-ring binders
- Cleaning supplies
- Event supplies
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For more ways to support the Military Women's Memorial, visit the Ways to Give page on our website. | |
Visit our Career Opportunities page to view our current openings: | |
Click the button below
to learn more about volunteering with MWM:
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Don't forget to keep your MWM account current! | |
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, innovative and interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories and artifacts, and engaging programs and events for all generations. | |
Here are a few additional ways you can continue to support our mission! | | | | |