WIMSA 10th Anniversary Celebration

Author: Scherlie Devine

Knowing how I regretted missing the opening of the Women's Memorial 10 years ago, my daughter (an Army veteran) asked me to join her for the 10th anniversary celebration. I had to make a choice - and my 45th High School reunion lost.

The three-day celebration began with a gala dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC on November 1. More than 600 attendees participated in the black-tie affair. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard B. Myers, offered remarks. The keynote speaker was the Honorable David Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Musical entertainment was provided by the 2007 Military Idol winner, SPC Vicki Golding, DC ARNG.

For my daughter Katie and I, the fun began on Friday evening at the DC National Guard Armory. More than 1,100 servicewomen and their friends and families attended the reception.

There was the usual vendor fair which provided lots of fun, conversation, and souvenirs. WIMSA had a satellite gift shop open and did a brisk business in memorabilia. The buffet stations provided us with ample dinner choices, and remarks were offered by two senior military women.

I made the rounds of nearly every table and was disappointed there were not more Navy Nurses. I found a few who did not know of the NNCA, so I gave them our website address. Strictly by coincidence, Katie and I were seated at the same table as another charter NNCA member, Hazel McGrath.

The signature events of the weekend occurred on Saturday afternoon and evening. About 1700 people gathered under a warm, nearly cloudless sky for the Anniversary Ceremony.

The program began with the Color Guard preceded by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Speakers for the afternoon program included Gordon Mansfield, acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and a keynote address by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

Continuing the tradition at Women's Memorial events was the "Voices of the Women" portion of the program.

The woman who best captured the spirit of the celebration was Vietnam veteran and former Army nurse Marsha Four. She said:

"As we begin to slowly move into what will be our past, we hold faith knowing that many of you, as our future, will continue to step up to the challenges that still remain, embracing your legacy, finding your place in history and inspiring others." She added: "We knew you were coming."

The afternoon's ceremony included a fly-over by four Blackhawk helicopters, one of which was piloted by a woman. A great cheer went up when it was announced that a woman was flying a Blackhawk.

The official events came to a close on Saturday evening. As dusk fell, hundreds of women and their friends and families gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the march across the bridge to the Women's Memorial. While we were waiting, we gathered in our various service groups. There was much good-natured bantering back and forth, but once the march began, we became one group, together, sharing our bonds.

The quiet, the candlelight, and the knowledge that we were women united, was most inspiring. We all gathered by the reflecting pool at the Women's Memorial in solemn remembrance of all servicewomen who have passed.

Special tribute was paid to the 98 women who have given their all in today's Global War on Terror. Rose petals were placed in the pool after the reading of their names.

It was announced that the 99th woman to die had just been reported, but her name was not yet available. The evening's keynote speaker, VADM Thomas J. Barrett, walked down to the pool and tossed a final handful of petals into the pool to honor her. It was very moving.

By the time it was all over, it really didn't matter who wore Navy blue and gold, Army green or Air Force blue. We all stood shoulder to shoulder, united because we were women in uniform.