It is difficult to believe that a decade has passed since we dedicated the Women In Military Service For America Memorial in the nation’s capital. That date, October 18, 1997, marked a new chapter in the history of women in the military. In the largest gathering of military women ever, more than 40,000 women veterans—from World War I to active duty servicewomen and their families and friends—celebrated the dedication of our nation’s only major Memorial to pay tribute to the some 2.5 million women who have served in the nation’s defense since its beginning more than 230 years ago. On the eve of this 10th anniversary celebration, we are delighted to have Stars and Stripes, America’s newspaper for our military, help us celebrate by bringing this special edition to you.

The Memorial is one of a kind—the only place in the nation, and possibly the world, to tell the story of women’s military service from all eras. Its very presence has created the opportunity to enrich our national and military history and to positively influence our sons and daughters as well as future generations with their stories of service. Thanks to the Memorial, more than 1.5 million visitors have become acquainted with these women patriots.

The Memorial is also a place that military women, past and present, can point to as a visible symbol of their patriotism, commitment, heroism, and valor—a place that captures and nurtures the extraordinary legacy of their service to America. Still, more than a monument to past accomplishments, the Women’s Memorial is also a platform and repository where women serving today can celebrate their own service and contributions to the nation—a living memorial that is as relevant and important to the women of today as it is to those who served before.

Some 240,000 current and former servicewomen have taken their rightful place in history by registering with the Memorial, preserving their records of service for all time. If you are a servicewoman, past or present, please register today and tell your story. And, if you know of a servicewoman, register her and help tell her story too.

Thank you for joining us in this historic observance honoring America’s military women.

Sincerely, Wilma L. Vaught
Brigadier General, USAF, Retired
President

 
 
 
Disclaimer -This special online supplement of The Women’s Memorial 10th Anniversary is a product of Stars and Stripes Newspaper and The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, Inc. This online supplement is authorized for publication by the Department of Defense. The contents of this supplement were provided by The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, Inc. and are therefore unofficial and not to be considered the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense. The appearance of advertising in this supplement does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, Stars and Stripes Newspaper or The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised in this online supplement shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.