The Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia honors all women who have served in and with the nation’s military, beginning with the Revolutionary War. This includes those who have served, are currently serving and women who volunteered during wartime and served in a combat zone.
The Memorial and its 33,000 sq. ft. education center are located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, the awe-inspiring monument features interactive exhibitions, world-class collections and engaging programs and events.
“I firmly believe that all men and women who serve are veterans, but for so long, women's contributions to our freedom have been overlooked,” retired United States Air Force (USAF) Colonel and Military Women’s Memorial Ohio Ambassador, Judy Pearson tells us. “The Military Women's Memorial brings these contributions to light and life.”
Coming from a military family background, Judy joined the USAF to see the world after graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing. After retiring following 23 years of service, Judy joined forces with the Military Women’s Memorial to help spread the word as a member of the national ambassador program. She now resides in Mason with her husband Bob, a veteran who is also an Honorary Ambassador for the memorial.
“He’s so knowledgeable about the Memorial and helps women register. I think it speaks volumes that a man volunteers to represent our Memorial,” Judy tells us.
More than 312,000 women's service records have been collected and preserved in the Memorial’s National Register. That may seem like a large number, but it’s only about 10% of the three million women who have served.
“So many people in our country don’t know our Memorial exists, and sadly that includes many women who defended our freedom and those who are currently serving - the very people the Memorial was built to honor,” Judy says.
The simplest way to assist their efforts is to help a servicewoman, living or deceased, take her rightful place in history by registering with the Memorial. Registration is easy and can be done at WomensMemorial.org.
“Registering her story will help it become part of women’s history, military history and American history for generations to come,” Judy explains.
As a nonprofit 501(3)c organization, the Memorial is operated and maintained by donations. They’re currently working to raise approximately $11.2 million to accomplish major upgrades and revitalize exhibits. The funds will go toward updating the center with the latest technological advancements to provide immersive and interactive experiences.
In addition to opportunities to volunteer at the Memorial site and Foundation headquarters the Memorial needs volunteers to help with upcoming summer events. Their Memorial Day festival is one of the major programs in the National Capital Region and the final commemorative event in the area. The program includes formal military honors, a keynote address, remarks from servicewomen, wreath layings and the placement of rose petals in the reflecting pool in honor of those who gave their lives in service to the country.
The Military Women’s Memorial
Memorial Ave & Schley Dr, Arlington, VA
703.533.1155 | WomensMemorial.org
“...All men and women who serve are veterans, but women's contributions to our freedom have been overlooked.”
“Registering her story will help it become part of women’s history, military history and American history for generations to come.”
