If you’re a woman who is serving or has served in the U.S. military, the Military Women’s Memorial Valkyrie program wants to hear from you.
Over 3 million women have served in the U.S. military since the time of the Revolutionary War – from women who disguised themselves as men during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, to those serving on aircraft carriers and on battlefields today. But 2.7 million stories are currently undocumented in a U.S. national database. This March, National Women’s History Month, we need to change these numbers.
The Military Women’s Memorial Register is a one-of-a-kind interactive database that records and preserves the names, service information, photographs, and memorable experiences of each registered servicewoman. Named “Valkyrie” after the powerful female warriors from Norse mythology, it records and preserves the history of the powerful women who have defended this country.
If you want to visit the memorial in person, the Women’s Memorial is located at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery at Memorial Ve. And Schley Drive in Arlington, VA. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To register, complete a simple form online or on your phone with your dates of service, branch of service, awards and decorations, at least one memorable experience, and a picture in uniform. Women can also explore the exclusive member benefits, including an employment and career resource portal focused on women transitioning out of the military and women veterans seeking career advice, discounted tuition, and more.
If a family member or ancestor has served, you may purchase a print of individual profiles as a keepsake.
And if you have a friend who’s served, register her or help spread the word on social media (@MilitaryWomensMemorial).
To become a Registered Member of the Military Women’s Memorial, a woman must meet one of the following criteria:
- Living or deceased woman veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Active Duty
- Reserve
- Guard
- U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Civil Air Patrol
If you served overseas during conflicts in direct support of the Armed Forces in organizations such as the Red Cross, USO, and Special Services, or are a U.S. Public Health Service Cadet Nurse Corps member, you are eligible to become a “We Also Served” Registered Member.
The Military Women’s Memorial is also partnering with organizations like PenFed to highlight the stories of bravery, resilience and service and demonstrate the importance of registering with the database; with Prudential to offer virtual financial wellness seminars; and with Excelsior College for discounted tuition.
The stories of military women who register could be the catalyst that inspires the next generation of female military leaders. Register today.
