The Military Women's Memorial is honoring the millions of women who are serving or have served America in a unique way. It is preserving the history through a repository of experiences, spanning all the way back to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Located in Arlington, Virginia, this memorial provides exhibits, collections, documented oral histories, research, and educational resources. It includes remembrance with the "Sister Stones" cut from the same marble as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in memoriam of those who gave all.

It does not stop there.

In our digital age, the Military Women's Memorial expands beyond Arlington. People can engage with virtual tours and an online portal of digital collections where anyone can honor the legacy of women's military service. Women can also register their service, called HERstory. It remains the only comprehensive historical repository of all military women's service.

Times are Changing

Less than 20 percent of the military is made up of women, but this number has been increasing over the years. Check out some interesting facts about women in the military, specifically the fact that women veterans are projected to be the fastest-growing demographic by 2040. These numbers tell a story of resilience and progress.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Retired) JoAnne "JO" Bass, the first-ever female senior enlisted leader, served as Honorary Board Chair in 2024. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson, president of the foundation said, "We hope women of all branches see CMSAF Bass as the embodiment of unlimited opportunity and possibility in service to the nation. Her example also shines a light on the importance of recognizing those who blazed the trails so that those that follow not only serve, but also recognize their own role in shaping the future for each successive generation of military women."

Increased representation and campaigns are changing the way women are publicly seen. This is a welcome change from the past where many military women have reported feeling "invisible" or overlooked in the military community. Major initiatives led by organizations like the Military Women's Memorial are driving more dialogue and awareness about women's contributions.

Preserving Military Women in Thought

Education plays a powerful role in keeping the stories of military women alive. Like in "Honoring Those Who Walked These Halls Before Us", universities have a great opportunity to leverage the education and virtual resources to share the stories of military women through discussion and learning. One way that colleges and universities can engage, not only with military-affiliated students and staff, but everyone in higher education spaces, is to incorporate women's military history in lesson plans, presentations, guided tours, and online exhibits in campus life and community events. The Military Women's Memorial research library also brings a wealth of knowledge and is accessible to the public. For example, "Bring me men and women : mandated change at the U.S. Air Force Academy" is a first-hand account of women's integration into military academies. Reading material like this helps students understand connections between history and service in today's world.

With easy access to abundant educational resources, colleges and universities can bring these resources to life during Women's History Month in March and Women Veterans Day on June 12th. Colleges can host their own exhibits, guest speakers, and celebrations that invite students, alumni, and staff for reflection. Dedicated places on campus or in veteran offices are also fitting areas to promote stories of military women, especially encouraging veteran women to share. The telling of their experiences adds more dimensions to what military service means.

Legacy in Motion with Education

As more women put on the uniform in service to our country, we can ensure that their contributions are not forgotten and accurately told. The Military Women's Memorial stands as a beacon honoring military women of the past, present, and future. By preserving history, encouraging storytelling, and expanding education about their experiences and contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces, we form a fuller part of America's military heritage.

Colleges and universities can help bridge a gap to connect with the past and show how women's service has paved the way for the future. They can provide supportive platforms for collaboration, service-learning projects, civic engagement, and leadership programs. As the memorial continues to grow, colleges and universities can build on this legacy by sharing the information and expanding on military women's meaning of service on their campus.

Women who have served are welcome to etch their record into history via HERstory at womensmemorial.org.

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Women Veterans

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