At the gates of Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC stands a 4.2 acre memorial honoring the past, present and future protectors of our country. But this is no ordinary memorial—it is dedicated solely to the women in service of the United States military.
They are our mothers. Our wives. Our daughters, sisters and friends. They are the defenders of freedom and our country. Many people are unaware that for over two centuries, approximately two million women have served our country. The makers of Red Baron® Products are proud to take this opportunity to recognize these women and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation.
Though this organization was founded in 1985, it was on June 22, 1995, that retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught led the charge to build the first—and 15 years later, the only—major national memorial in our nation's history to honor all servicewomen of the United States Armed Forces. This includes past and present women veterans; Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and US Public Health Service uniformed women; women in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol; and members of the US Public Health Service Cadet Nurse Corps.
Its mission, however, is bigger than a physical monument—the foundation behind the memorial has collected over 250,000 harrowing and heartwarming stories of women of the military as well as countless names, addresses and photos. Together they create a legacy centuries in the making to last for centuries to come:
"The history of women in the armed forces began more than 220 years ago with the women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day. The Women's Memorial honors all the women who have served courageously, selflessly and with dedication in times of conflict and in times of peace—women whose achievements have for too long been unrecognized or ignored." - www.womensmemorial.org
Join The makers of Red Baron® Products in saluting these brave women. Ask your mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends about their stories of duty, honor and pride in the US military at your next family dinner.
The Women's Memorial is open to the public year-round (except for Christmas).
To learn more, go to: www.womensmemorial.org
