HONORING WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
The She-roes

The history of women in the Armed Forces began more than 220 years ago with the women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day. Duty, Honor, Pride. These words reflect the spirit of generations of American Women who have who have sought to defend the rights and freedom of others. They possess a pioneer spirit, they bring gender diversity to the military by serving our nation to the best of their abilities.

Women make up about 20 percent of today's military. They use to only do the work of laundresses or nurses, they now provide convoy security. They are still not to be on the front lines, but there are no front lines in today's wars. Today daughters, wives, and mothers are vying for adventure and the chance to serve their country at increasing rates. Female Soldiers have conducted air missions, gunners, kicked down doors, disarmed mines and they have also shed their own blood...they are not only nurses any more.

There are two million women Veterans. Thirty three thousand women served in World War One and almost 500,000 took part in World War Two. During the Korean era 120,000 women were in uniform and seven thousand were deployed in theater during Viet Nam. During Desert Storm seven per cent of the total U.S. forces deployed were women - over forty thousand of them. 13 U.S. women died, and 2 women were captured and held as prisoners of war during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In April 1993, Air Force 1st Lt. Jeannie Flynn was the first woman to complete a combat training course to fly advanced

The greatest changes with females serving in the Armed Forces has occured since the initiation of the All Volunteer Force in 1973. Until thirty years ago they could not hold a rank higher than Colonel. The first "star rank" or hold the rank of admiral or general didn't occur until 1970

Remembering them: Paying tribute to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

The only major national memorial honoring all our servicewomen-past, present and future. The Women's Memorial honors all the women who have served couragesously, selflessly and with dedication in times of conflict and in times of peace. Their achievements have for too long been unrecognized or ignored. The Memorial also honors women who served overseas during conflicts, in direct support of the armed forces, such as the Red Cross, the USO and Special Services.

We honor all the women that have served in the Armed Service and we thank them for their service to our Country.