Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary – October 17, 2022, history, significance
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary, celebrated on October 17, is a special day that pays a tribute to the millions of military women who have lost their lives in service. Yes, men aren’t the only saviors during the war and the U.S history includes many females who contributed to success in combat.
These military women used their intellect and strength to protect the nation, and are seen as inspirational figures today. This year, honor these brave women by paying a special tribute to their accomplishments in times of war.
HISTORY OF WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY
When we think of the armed forces, it is natural to think of men fighting to save the country. However, the fact is that for generations, many strong and courageous women have also sacrificed their lives for their countrymen. Initially, women were found as nurses or cooks in war camps, but later, they too became a part of the combat.
Believe it or not, women in the U.S have been a part of the armed forces since 1917, and several ladies lost their lives without their efforts being recognized by the world. Some even had to fight disguised as men besides their husbands in the American Revolutionary War.
In 1997, a memorial was erected for them by the U.S government, and it is popularly known as the Military Women’s Memorial. The space honors military women who died in service and contains a Hemicycle structure that was built in 1932.
The structure, however, remained in a bad condition till Congress gave the order of building a memorial around it in 1988. This decision was followed by a design competition which was thrown to the public and won by Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi who were architects from New York.
Although the initial design of the memorial became an open secret which resulted in controversies and a revision of the design. In the end, an intriguing structure with a mixture of Neoclassical and Modern architecture was built for the brave women who lay in the memorial.
WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY TIMELINE
1942
Making Waves
The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (W.A.A.C.) is established.
1948
The Integration Act
The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allows women to serve as regular members of the U.S. Army.
1975
A Breakthrough
Women are allowed to be trained in the use of defensive weapons.
2013
The Ban is Lifted
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta lifts a ban on women serving in combat roles.
HOW TO OBSERVE WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY
Visit the memorial
To experience history in its true form, visit the memorial. Not only will you be left in awe by the stories you will be told, but you will also love the exquisite architecture of the memorial.
Create a video tribute
Know how to use video editing software? If yes, create something special for the occasion. You can gather information regarding a few women buried in the memorial and make a video.
Throw a party
Truly celebrate the efforts of the brave military women by throwing a party to honor them. You can decorate the place with their photos and share their life stories with the guests.
5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT FEMALE VETERANS
Number of women veterans
They comprise 10% of the total veteran population,
Oldest Known Woman Veteran
Julia Kabance of the Women’s Army Corp died at the age of 111.
Working age of females
Almost 84% of female veterans are of working age (17 to 64 years) compared to 55 percent of male veterans.
The first 20 women of the Corps
They were known as “The Sacred Twenty” and led by Esther Hasson.
Highest concentration of female veterans
Alaska is the U.S. state with the highest concentration of women veterans in its population.
WHY WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY IS IMPORTANT
It honors women
Many times, the achievements of women in the army are ignored. The day remembers the women who have lost their lives while fighting for the U.S.
It’s a reminder that nothing is impossible
The day is an example of how anything is possible if you believe in it. Yes, fighting wars and defeating the enemy through tactical strategies is not reliant on gender.
It’s a reminder of a woman’s resilience
Ever thought of fighting a war or picking up a weapon? Well, this day is a great example of how many other women have remained fearless till their last breath.
