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The Military Women’s Memorial 25th Anniversary Celebration may have concluded last month – but the celebration of MWM’s 25th year has only just begun! We look forward to continuing to honor 25 years of the Military Women’s Memorial through October 2023. MWM supporters can continue to shop 25th Anniversary merchandise online or in person at our Gift Shop, as well as show support for Your Memorial with a donation in honor of Giving Tuesday throughout the month of November.
For those who are still eager to celebrate with us in person, be sure to join us for the 25th annual Military Women's Memorial Veterans Day celebration, where together, we will honor all of America’s veterans.
We look forward to continuing to highlight the stories of the many servicewomen who have defended our country. Help us celebrate their accomplishments by registering your service today.
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A Message From The President | |
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Greetings,
It seems like yesterday that I wrote to tell you the countdown to the 25th anniversary celebration was almost to an end – and here we are into November! And though it is over, I’m still thrilled at the success of the anniversary and the enthusiasm of our members and friends who attended.
From the All-Service Luncheon to the dedication of the Vaught Center, every event was special. Headlining the All-Service Luncheon were keynote speakers Vice Chief of Naval Operations ADM Lisa Franchetti, Chief of the Army Reserve LTG Jody Daniels, and Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass. Besides a great evening of fun and camaraderie, the Reunion featured entertainment by the awesome Colors of Freedom. No one who attended will forget SFC Kyra Dorn’s “Girl on Fire” performance – WOW!
The 25th Anniversary Program on Saturday was another hit with remarks from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, and our six phenomenal servicewomen. “Cameo appearances” by our founding president Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught and 101-year-old World War II Navy WAVE Cecile Cover, along with the debut of “Military Women: Strength of America” performed by Stokes Nielson and Alyssa Shouse Longoria were unforgettable highlights. You can watch the ceremony re-play on our YouTube channel. You won’t regret it.
University of Illinois Corps of Cadets women led the Candlelight Honor Walk in honor of Brig. Gen. Vaught, a "U of I" distinguished alum; and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher Grady delivered keynote remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony, along with TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll, and Gold Star mother Deborah White, mother of 1LT Ashley White who was killed in action in 2011. Rose petals were placed in the Memorial’s reflecting pool as the names were read of the 177 women whose lives have been lost in the Global War on Terrorism, a tradition started 25 years ago at the Memorial’s dedication.
The dedication of the Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught Center, our new and versatile multipurpose room, headlined our Sunday events, which was followed by an open house for guests to spend time visiting the Memorial. Brig. Gen Vaught’s remarks and the ribbon cutting were event highlights.
My heartfelt thanks to our phenomenal speakers, musicians, staff, volunteers – and, of course, our members and guests – who came together to make this milestone event in the life of the Memorial a meaningful and memorable experience – an experience befitting the some 3 million women we honor – all Girl[s] on Fire and the Strength of America. It was a grand start for the next 25 years!
And, we haven’t stopped. Coming up is our 25th annual Veterans Day program scheduled for 3:00 pm, November 11. You’ll find more information later in the newsletter. Please plan to attend if you are in the area, or watch the ceremony virtually.
Also, Giving Tuesday, November 29, is just around the corner. If you participate during this global day of giving, we hope you will consider the Military Women’s Memorial – the nation’s only memorial to tell the stories of all of America’s servicewomen past and present. You may also want to consider the Memorial for your end of year giving.
To remind, the 2022-2023 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is underway. If you are currently serving or a federal employee and you give through CFC, please consider including the Military Women’s Memorial (#11350) as one of the worthy charities you designate. The campaign runs through Jan. 14, 2023.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Register.
Very Respectfully,
Phyllis J. Wilson
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New in the Military Women's Memorial
Collection
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Women Marines Association Attendees at their Biennial Convention with the handcrafted quilt. | |
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This month’s featured Collection item is a handcrafted quilt, donated in honor and recognition of the US Marine Corps' 257th anniversary on November 10th. Completed by Tamela Schmidt of DeWitt, Nebraska, the quilt was a gift to the Military Women's Memorial from the NE-1 Grace Carle Chapter of the Women Marines Association.
Each quilt block features the signature of a woman Marine who served at some time from WWII to the present day. The quilt squares were signed in 2018 when women Marines came together to celebrate a century of service at the Women Marines Association Bienniel Convention in Washington, DC. Military Women’s Memorial Ambassador, retired US Air Force SMSgt Roberta “Bobi” Oates, accepted the quilt on behalf of the Memorial on October 1, 2022.
As noted by SSG Gail Belmont, Vietnam Veteran and founder of Quilts of Honor, a non-profit organization that creates and presents quilts in honor of American servicemembers, quilts are works of art unto themselves and an integral piece of the fabric of US Military history. In her 2021 MWM HERstory interview, Belmont observes that quilting is an “American tradition that goes back to the Civil War when they used to make quilts for those who were out on the battlefield...they [soldiers] would take them, and they were their bedrolls, and they were even buried in those quilts.”
Thank you to each of the women Marines who signed the blocks, the hands that crafted the piece, and the Women Marines Association. Happy Anniversary to the US Marine Corps!
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Watch as the collections staff at the Military Women’s Memorial answer frequently asked questions about MWM’s collection and how it is cared for. Please enjoy this sneak peak into the world of collections care and the Military Women’s Memorial’s world-class collection of memorabilia. | |
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, MWM thanks you for your support of the Memorial's important work for the past 25 years! | |
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Veterans Day at MWM
November, 11th 2022 at 3PM
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Join the Military Women's Memorial for our 25th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, one of the major observances in the National Capital Region.
Free and open to the public, the Military Women’s Memorial 25th annual Veterans Day program will include formal military honors, a keynote address; remarks from military women, past and present, representing each of the services; and wreath-layings by military and veteran service organizations.
The program will be followed by a reception where guests and participants can meet, enjoy light refreshments and honor the service of America’s veterans.
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This year’s keynote will be delivered by Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation Board Chair, retired Major General Jeanette (Jan) Edmunds, a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Army. A logistician, General Edmunds' career culminated as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Headquarters Department of the Army. Other key general officer assignments included command of a Theater Support Command in Korea; Command of the 13th Corps Support Command Fort Hood, Texas; and Command of the Army War Reserve Support Command, Rock Island, IL.
| We Hope You Will Join Us! | Attend in person, or watch the live-stream on our YouTube Channel: | |
Support MWM on Giving Tuesday
November 29th, 2022
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As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, all donations to the Military Women's Memorial support our mission – to tell the stories of women’s service to the nation; document their service; and educate the public through exhibitions, our world-class collections, and engaging programs and events.
You can make a difference this Giving Tuesday. During this global day of generosity, help us ensure that women's contributions to our nation's defense are uncovered, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.
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Watch I Am a Veteran and learn how your donation makes an impact. | |
National Wreaths Across America Day
December 17th, 2022
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Join Wreaths Across America and the Military Women's Memorial for National Wreaths Across America Day, on December 17th, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery, as we lay wreaths as an MWM community in honor of those who have fallen. Each December, Wreaths Across America sponsors over 3,400 wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 U.S. states, as well as at sea and abroad. Cemetery procedures now require all individuals to register in order to participate: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Join us this Wreaths Across America Day, as we come together as a community and place remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes that have served and defended our nation.
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MWM Community Day - Volunteer with MWM on National Wreaths Day
| Volunteers who intend to lay wreaths with the Military Women's Memorial must register with BOTH Wreaths Across America AND the Military Women's Memorial. |
You can support both the Military Women’s Memorial and Wreaths Across America by making a donation and sponsoring a wreath below: | |
Be sure to catch the re-airing of American Veteran, featuring MWM President Phyllis Wilson. Launched in September 2021, the multi-platform American Veteran initiative features the voices and experiences of over 50 veterans as they recount the veteran experience in this award-winning miniseries.
The four-part series will be re-airing on PBS on Sunday, November 6, 2022, starting at 2 PM (ET). Click Here to learn more.
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Virginia tour dates
Made possible by Virginia Humanities:
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.
More information on future National tour dates will be posted as information becomes available.
For sponsorship, please reach out to Development@womensmemorial.org.
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MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration Weekend | |
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Thank you for celebrating with us! MWM's 25th Anniversary Weekend was an incredible experience, with Servicewomen and supporters of the Memorial gathering from across the country to celebrate.
Thank you to all that came together to celebrate Your Memorial – whether in person, virtually, or through donation or a purchase from our Gift Shop!
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25th Anniversary Re-Plays | Weren't able to join us in person? Watch the Official 25th Anniversary Program as well as the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to MWM on YouTube below: | |
The Military Women's Memorial has been honoring and telling the stories of America's servicewomen for 25 years – and we look forward to the next 25! | |
Thank You, 25th Anniversary Sponsors! | |
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Official 25th Anniversary Program Sponsor
Comcast NBCUniversal
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The Military Women's Memorial is proud to have had Comcast NBCUniversal as a presenting sponsor of the 25th Anniversary celebration program, with keynote speakers Secretary of Defense Austin and Secretary of Veterans Affairs McDonough. Comcast NBCUniversal has a long-standing history of supporting the Military Women's Memorial and the greater military community. “Women stand proudly in the long line of our Nation’s warriors,” said Carol Eggert, SVP of Military & Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal. “It’s our honor to support the Military Women’s Memorial as it elevates the voices of the women’s bravery and commitment to our country’s defense.” Learn more about Comcast NBCUniversal's military engagement HERE. | |
MWM 25th Anniversary Challenge | |
MWM 25th Anniversary Challenge participants recruited family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues from all over the world to take part in the Challenge, and support their race with a donation to MWM. Thank you to all who participated with us! Last chance to support the Challenge and help us reach our $50,000 Goal! | MWM Supporters taking on the Challenge from around the world! | |
MWM Supports the 2022 Marine Corps Marathon | |
Thank you to the Marine Corps Marathon Organization for having the Military Women’s Memorial at this year’s Marine Corps Marathon Expo, where the MWM Team was able to meet and engage with members of our community from all over the country! This incredible opportunity to share our mission and the importance of registering each story of service allowed us to connect with hundreds of participants, their family members, and friends all while highlighting our exhibits, programs, educational curriculum, and events. We always appreciate the chance to connect one-on-one with members of the MWM community, and hear firsthand the appreciation and sense of personal connection that the Memorial represents for our supporters. | |
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On marathon day, some of our team was out on the run course cheering on the runners – and we even spotted a few friends of MWM who ran in support of the Memorial, donning their MWM shirts to raise awareness and share the Memorial’s mission.
MWM President Phyllis Wilson volunteered at the wear blue Mile, a solemn mile along the marathon course that features Faces of the Fallen in honor and memory of Servicemembers who lost their lives while on active duty. Many of the 177 servicewomen we honor in our Hall of Honor, throughout the Memorial, and who we honored during our 9/11 Remembrance Relay last year, were included in the wear blue Mile – a moving tribute to each of these women and a lasting reminder of their service and sacrifice.
| We'd like to thank the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. It was an uplifting and successful two days that resulted in increased awareness and amplification of MWM’s important message. | |
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MWM President Phyllis Wilson to be
Inducted into the US Veterans Hall of Fame
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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 Jeanette Edmunds.
The National Annual Induction Ceremony is to be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 in Concord, North Carolina.
Click here to learn more
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Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught Inducted into the National Defense University National Hall of Fame | |
Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, MWM's founding president, was honored and inducted into the National Defense University (NDU) National Hall of Fame on October 27th, 2022.
The National Hall of Fame provides a prestigious and visible means of recognizing NDU alumni whose distinctive record of service merits special recognition. General Vaught is the first Air Force woman to graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, an NDU component. In addition to her stellar Air Force career, General Vaught, with the establishment of the Military Women’s Memorial (MWM), is credited with changing the face of monumental Washington, and assuring the story of women’s service to the nation is an integral part of our national narrative.
General Vaught’s portrait will permanently hang in NDU’s National Hall of Fame in Marshall Hall. She joins Hall of Fame members General Ann Dunwoody, USA; and General Janet Wolfenbarger, USAF, both MWM Charter Members and Honorary Board Chairs, and the first women in their respective services to achieve 4-stars.
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Show your MWM pride this holiday season! Each stunning MWM keepsake ornament is handcrafted in the USA, finished with vibrant colors, and sure to bring your tree to life! | |
These cute and cuddly, plush teddy bears will be a favorite this holiday season! | |
Stay warm this winter, and represent Your Memorial with MWM branded hats, scarves, crewnecks, and more! | |
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Give the Gift of Square Foot
Society Membership
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This one-of-a-kind gift is an extraordinary way to honor a military women, past or present. A square foot of her memorial gives her honorary ownership of America’s only national memorial to honor her service and guarantees the future of her legacy. 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.
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Visit our Career Opportunities page to view our current openings: | |
Click the button below
to learn more about volunteering with MWM:
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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.
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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! | | | | | |
