Thanks to the dedicated support and contributions of our community, this summer at the Military Women’s Memorial has been a huge success, with each month packed with exciting events and opportunities to honor the service of America's military women! 


While it is always sad to see summer go, fall is just around the corner, and as we rapidly close in on the 25th Anniversary of the Military Women’s Memorial, we hope you plan to join us this October as servicewomen from around the country gather in the nation’s capital to commemorate this milestone day for military women. MWM’s 25th Anniversary Weekend will be an incredible convening of servicewomen, past and present, as well as supporters of the Memorial from across the country, featuring a variety of events and programs – all intended to honor Your service and Your Memorial. Preparations are well underway, and tickets are available for purchase now on our website!


We look forward to continuing to come together, highlighting the stories of the many servicewomen who have defended our country. Help us continue to celebrate the accomplishments of America's servicewomen by registering your service today.

REGISTER YOUR SERVICE
A Message From The President

Greetings,


Here we are, less than 45 days away from the Memorial’s 25th Anniversary Celebration! Many thanks to those who participated in the anniversary survey. Your responses were especially helpful to us in planning for this milestone event in the life of the Memorial. This edition of the newsletter is packed full of anniversary celebration and ticketing information. Be sure to make your 25th Anniversary Celebration reservations soon. I look forward to celebrating with you October 14-16! 


For military members and federal employees, September signals the start of the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Many of you have donated through CFC in the past and I hope you’ll continue to designate the Military Women’s Memorial (#11350) as one of the worthy organizations you choose for the 2022-23 Campaign, which runs from Sept. 1, 2022 to Jan. 14, 2023.   


Be sure to take note of two upcoming MWM programs highlighted in this edition of the newsletter and, if you can, plan to join us in person or virtually. The first, in observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are excited to bring The Athena Division photography exhibition and discussion program to the Memorial. Second is the launch of our Women Peace and Security series, an initiative that reinforces MWM as a platform for the discussion of military women and global security issues. I hope you enjoy this edition of the MWM Newsletter. See you at the Anniversary Celebration!   


Very Respectfully,

Phyllis J. Wilson

New in the Military Women's

Memorial Collection

Pictured: Journal illustrations of Margaret “Peggy” (Gilbert) Lickfield: “My Day”, “We’ll do our part” , and “Shall we dance again?” 

The Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (MCWR) was established on February 13, 1943. During the war, some 20,000 women served as clerks, cooks, mechanics, drivers, and in a variety of other positions at shore and air installations, both stateside and overseas in Hawaii.


This month’s featured Collection donation highlights Woman Marine Reservist Private Margaret “Peggy” (Gilbert) Lickfield who served as a radio mechanic and telephone maintenance technician. She received her training at the Quartermaster School at Camp Lejeune, NC, and was later stationed in San Francisco, CA. Throughout her time in service, she kept two beautifully hand-illustrated memory books that depict, with detail and, occasionally, humor, the daily lives of servicewomen who served the country during World War II.  


We express our gratitude to her daughter, Kim W. Lickfield, who entrusted her mother’s memory books to the Military Women’s Memorial, ensuring they will be preserved, and that documentation of the day-to-day experiences of World War II Women Marines, through illustration, will be known to future generations.

Have a question about MWM's Collection? Submit your question to our Collections team at the link below, and you may see it answered in an upcoming HERStory spotlight video!

ASK A CURATOR

September HERstory Spotlight Video

In this HERstory Spotlight, we set our focus on wedding gowns from World War II made with parachute silk - a creative solution for war brides when luxury goods were in short supply. Take a look!


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!

WATCH HERE
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, your support and partnership, whether through monetary or in-kind donation, support the important work and mission of the Memorial.


View MWM's partners here!

Join the Military Women's Memorial October 14-16, 2022 as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Memorial's dedication – the day America said thanks to the 3 million women who’ve served in her defense and changed the face of monumental Washington. The weekend will feature a variety of events to mark this important milestone for military women and the nation. We hope you will join us and be a part of the festivities as we celebrate our memorial and honor your service!

LEARN MORE
RESERVE TICKETS

PLEASE NOTE: A ticket must be purchased and/or reserved for each 25th Anniversary event. Purchasing and/or reserving a ticket for one event will not grant access to any other 25th Anniversary ceremonies or celebrations - a ticket must be reserved for each event one wishes to attend.

For a full overview of events for the MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration, please visit our website:

ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Service Luncheons

Friday, October 14


Join fellow Servicemembers, past and present, as we kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with Service Luncheons at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. Guests can choose between three separate luncheons: Army Luncheon, Sea Services Luncheon, or the Air & Space Forces Luncheon. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and reminisce with friends both old and new over an elegant lunch and program. 

ARMY LUNCHEON TICKETS
SEA SERVICES LUNCHEON TICKETS
AIR & SPACE FORCES LUNCHEON TICKETS

All-Services Reunion

Friday, October 14


Join us for a casual evening of fun and camaraderie! The reunion get-together will offer plenty of opportunities for socializing with service pals and friends, old and new. 

In addition to displays and representation from various veterans groups and national organizations, the evening will feature a variety of entertainment and remarks from special guests. Enjoy catching up with old friends and meeting new ones in this laid-back atmosphere complete with a buffet, cash bar, step-and-repeat selfie station, memory wall, and more!

PURCHASE TICKETS

25th Anniversary Ceremony

Saturday, October 15


The official 25th Anniversary Celebration Program is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at the Military Women’s Memorial. The program will include formal military honors, remarks by former and current military women representing each of the Services, senior Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs officials, and more. A highlight of the event will be the debut of a new anthem honoring military women. Stay tuned for the name of the singer!

RESERVE TICKETS

Candlelight Honor Walk & Remembrance Ceremony

Saturday, October 15


The Candlelight Honor Walk and Service of Remembrance are two of the most special events of the anniversary weekend. We will come together to walk in honor of all who have served and sacrificed for our nation, remembering the many courageous trailblazing women who are no longer with us. The walk will conclude with a ceremony in remembrance of the fallen.

RESERVE TICKETS

 Vaught Center Dedication & Open House

Sunday, October 16th


Guests are invited to attend the dedication of the new Vaught Center, named after the Memorial’s founding president retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught. Following the event, guests may have the opportunity to meet this revered icon of military women. 

RESERVE TICKETS

For a full overview of events for the MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration as well as additional information on transportation & lodging, please visit our website:

CLICK HERE

25th Anniversary Virtual Challenge

In celebration of 25 years of honoring and telling the stories of the over 3 million women who have served our Nation, the Military Women’s Memorial is proud to announce our 25th Anniversary 25-Day Virtual Challenge! Starting September 23rd, individuals and teams from around the world will join us virtually as they exercise in unison for 25 days, kicking off the countdown to our 25th Anniversary on October 18th, 2022!


Participate in the 25K or 25 Mile virtual course, or join in on a 250 Mile team challenge. Participants will receive an e-bib, digital finisher certificate, and limited-edition “25th Anniversary Challenge” medal. Special prizes will also be available for top fundraisers as a special "Thank You" for your support and dedication to the Military Women’s Memorial. Every dollar raised helps us to continue honoring and celebrating America’s servicewomen and to inspire the next generation of leaders and trailblazers.


Registration is open – are you up for the Challenge

REGISTER

Honoring Brigadier General Vaught

In celebration of the dedication of the new Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught Center, help us show our gratitude for General Vaught's service and honor the impact that she has made on the lives of America's servicewomen. 


As a surprise to her, a selection of video messages will be compiled and played for her during the dedication ceremony. Record and upload your 30-second shout-out to General Vaught below!

HONOR GENERAL VAUGHT

Women Peace & Security Panel  

October 7th, 2022, 2 PM

The Military Women’s Memorial is excited to announce our most recent initiative: The Women, Peace, and Security Series. The premier event, taking place on October 7th, will feature a fireside chat with retired Army General Austin S. Miller, former U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander, followed by a panel discussion with members of the U.S. Cultural Support Teams (CST) who served in Afghanistan. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Afghan women who served in the Female Tactical Platoon (FTP). The event will culminate with a portrait unveiling and reception honoring Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent who was killed in a suicide bomber attack in Syria in 2019 while serving with a U.S. Special Operations task force. 


The Women, Peace, and Security Series will be a platform for inclusive dialogue and discussion around important topics that directly impact servicewomen, our nation's security, and the stability of our partner nations, and a vehicle to influence change and inform policy.


Thanks to our panel sponsors PenFed Foundation, AllTru, and Promote Leadership, and our reception sponsors Amazon Military.

RSVP

The Grace Project: The Athena Division

Photo Exhibition

In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Military Women's Memorial is honored to announce the opening of The Grace Project's The Athena Division, an empowering photographic exhibition which captures the courage, beauty, and grace of military women who have undergone treatment and/or surgery as a result of breast cancer. The exhibition is by internationally recognized fine art photographer Charise Isis and will be on display and open to the public from September 24th through October 9th. 


Join the Military Women’s Memorial and The Grace Project for a special event on October 1st, which will include a panel discussion with military women and women veterans followed by an artist reception. The Athena Division, a chapter of The Grace Project, is focused specifically on those who have served in the military.


Saturday, October 1st from 1 PM - 4PM (ET)

RSVP

Holiday Bazaar

Call for Vendors 

The Military Women’s Memorial is looking to host a one-day Holiday Bazaar on December 4th _ a wonderful opportunity to bring together our community of members, supporters, and friends for a day of fun and holiday shopping. This Holiday Bazaar is a unique opportunity for local vendors and crafters to sell and showcase their holiday gifts and specialty items. As this is our first-ever event of this kind, we are looking to our community to gauge interest from potential vendors. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a vendor, please click the link below.

CLICK HERE

MWM President Phyllis Wilson to be

Inducted Into US Veterans Hall of Fame

Congratulations are in order for Military Women’s Memorial President Phyllis Wilson who has been selected as a 2022 inductee into the US Veterans Hall of Fame, which pays public tribute to the men and women of prior military service who exemplify great character and service. 


Delivering the keynote address for the ceremony is MWM Board Chair retired Army Major General Jan Edmunds.


The National Annual Induction Ceremony is to be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 in Concord, North Carolina. 


Click here to learn more

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Virginia tour dates

Made possible by Virginia Humanities:


Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

August 21 – September 10, 2022


US Army Women’s Museum, Fort Lee, VA

Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2023



National tour dates

Made possible by Amazon Military, Fluor, and Iron Mountain:


Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

July 15 – September 15, 2022

COLOR OF FREEDOM TOUR SCHEDULE

Join the Women Veterans Network 

The Military Women’s Memorial recently launched our new online community The Women Veterans Network - and we are already over 300 members strong!


If you too are registered with the Military Women's Memorial and are looking for a dedicated space to connect with other women veterans across America, join the Women Veterans Network Facebook Group today! This online community serves as a place exclusively for women veterans who have registered their service with the Military Women’s Memorial.


Members are already taking the opportunity to use this forum to network, discuss experiences, and share resources among one another. You must be registered with the Military Women’s Memorial to join.

JOIN THE GROUP

President Signs the PACT Act

MWM President Phyllis Wilson was among the many veterans advocates who attended the August 10 signing of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 by President Biden. Commonly known at the PACT Act, the landmark legislation focuses on assisting generations of veterans exposed to toxic substances or environments and expands health care and disability benefits for these veterans and their families.


Click the button below to learn more about the PACT Act, how to file a claim, Survivor Benefits and more.

LEARN MORE
We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Gift Shop at the Military Women's Memorial! Our temporary store at the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange is now closed. Visit us at the Memorial or shop our online gift shop today!

Shop Ann Hand brooches and pins designed in honor of America's servicewomen.

SHOP NOW

Women's

AppreSHEation

T-Shirt

SHOP NOW

Combat Boots Jewelry 

SHOP NOW

Make a donation of $330 – a penny for each of the Memorial’s 33,000 sq ft – to help sustain and advance the efforts of the Military Women’s Memorial for the next 25 years.


As a member of the Square Foot Society, you become an honorary "owner" of America’s only major national memorial and historical repository documenting the stories of service of all women who have served in and with our military. Each new member receives a coin and certificate.

BECOME A MEMBER
Visit our Career Opportunities page to view our current openings:
Click the button below
to learn more about volunteering with MWM:
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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.
LEARN MORE

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!

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