Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary, observed on October 17, is a special day that honours the millions of military women who have sacrificed their lives in service to the country. No, men are not the only saviours during war, and the annals of the United States includes numerous women who contributed to the success of combat. These military women used their intelligence and fortitude to defend the nation and are now regarded as role models. This year, honour these courageous women by paying special tribute to their wartime achievements.
The background of Women in Military Service Memorial Anniversary
It is natural to associate the armed forces with soldiers fighting to save the nation. However, many courageous and strong women have also sacrificed their lives for their compatriots for generations. Initially, women served as nurses or chefs in war camps, but eventually they also participated in combat. Since 1917, women in the United States have served in the armed forces, and several of them lost their lives without the world recognising their sacrifice. During the American Revolutionary War, some women fought alongside their husbands disguised as males.
The U.S. government erected a memorial for them in 1997, and it is commonly known as the Military Women’s Memorial. The area contains a 1932-built Hemicycle structure that honours military women who perished in service. The structure remained in poor condition until 1988, when Congress ordered the construction of a memorial around it. New York architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi won an open design competition that followed this decision.
Although the initial design of the memorial became public knowledge, this led to controversy and a redesign. For the valiant women buried in the memorial, an intriguing structure with a combination of Neoclassical and Modern architecture was constructed in the end.
Five interesting facts about women veterans
They make up 10% of the veteran population as a whole.
Julia Kabance, a member of the Women’s Army Corps, passed away at age 111.
In comparison to male veterans, approximately 84% of female veterans are of working age (17 to 64 years old).
They were referred to as “The Sacred Twenty” and were commanded by Esther Hasson.
Alaska is the state in the United States with the greatest proportion of female veterans.
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 17 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 17 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 17 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 17 | Sunday |
