|
Dear Register Readers,
Greetings. As we approach Veterans Day, the day the nation has set aside to honor all American Veterans, I am reminded of the words of writer and poet Maya Angelou who said, "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" Today some 19 million Americans - 1.9 million of them women - have the privilege of wearing the title “Veteran.” I, like many of you, am so very proud to be among them. To my fellow Veterans, “Thank you for your service.” We’ll be hosting our 24th annual Veterans Day program at 3:00 PM, November 11, and encourage those of you in the area to join us.
November 11, 2021 is also the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our series of commemorative “afternoon teas” in the Memorial’s Hall of Honor with the Sister Stones to the Tomb, has been a great success. It’s been such an honor to partner with the Tomb’s Society of the Honor Guard, learning of the Tomb’s history and the extraordinary service of the legendary men and women who guard the Tomb 24/7. Our Veterans Day program will feature the national debut of “The Journey Home,” music written especially for the Tomb’s centennial.
And, in a belated celebration of the Memorial’s 24th anniversary, our Veterans Day program will be followed by a reception in the Memorial gallery. Founding president Brig. Gen. Vaught will join us in a “cake cutting;” and guests will have a “last look” before partial redesign and renovation commence as well as a sneak peek at part 2 of the redesign. All good reasons to join us if you can!
Though the renovation will cause the Memorial to be closed until late May 2022, the Foundation will still be working hard to help eligible women take their rightful place in history by registering their service with the Memorial, telling their story of service through our website and social media platforms and hosting a variety of virtual events and activities. Please, please continue your amazing support and involvement in all that we do to capture, preserve and celebrate women’s service to the nation. A listing of some of those events is included in this edition of The Register, the Military Women’s Memorial newsletter.
Lastly, I want to remind you of National Wreaths Across America Day. On December 18, 2021, the Memorial will be helping Wreaths Across America and Arlington National Cemetery remember and honor America’s military by placing Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our fallen service members. You can be a part of this extraordinary act of gratitude by sponsoring a Remembrance wreath. Visit HERE to learn more. P.S. For every wreath you sponsor, a portion of the proceeds is shared with the Memorial.
Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your faithful and enduring support of America’s military women, past and present, and the Military Women’s Memorial. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Register.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Wilson, R.N.
CW5, U.S. Army (Ret.)
President
|
