At an emotional ceremony in early July, the park’s ninth monument was unveiled. This one pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of the 3 million females who have been in the US military.
“Long before women even had the right to vote or own property,” said US Army Colonel Laura Ludwig, “women were serving this country.”
There have been plenty of battles in US military history and most of the so-called “war heroes” are men. But in reality women have been there too. For over 200 years they have served the USA, except they never get credit for their efforts.
“From the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts, Women have proudly served in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard,” said Steve Guider, who created Veterans Memorial Park.
“Long process”
The seeds for this monument were planted in 2018 when a group gathered to discuss the idea.
Said Guider: “It’s been a long process for this.”
Guider’s vision was to honor women in the military.
“I had a design concept which I thought was kind of cool,” Guider said. “As I’m presenting, one of the ladies there goes, ‘no offense, but you’re a man. She goes, you have no idea what we did in Viet Nam. We want to be the ones who design this monument. I’m like absolutely, have at it.’ ”
From there the project gained traction. The 3M Open golf tournament came up with the funding and everything fell into place .
The result is an impressive monument made of glass, granite and metal with 15 tablets. Those symbolize the key points of women in service. A five-pronged cauldron represents each branch of the military and on top of that is a bronze flame.
“This Veterans Memorial Park is here today because of Steve’s ambitious plans to make this park an experience with the most unique and impactful monuments,” Ludwig said. “Steve, this Veteran’s Memorial Park is your legacy.”
“We have been invisible”
For women veterans this was their day in the spotlight.
Said Ludwig: “We have been invisible.”
The monument – saluting their contributions – is long overdue.
“Despite making up 10 percent of the veteran population, women are not seen as the quintessential image of a veteran,” Ludwig said. “Military service by women is often overlooked in articles, books, images and research depicting military heroes.”
“We came home and were only able to blend in again as housewives,” said Kay Bauer who was a US Navy Captain. “We were not allowed to talk about what we did or where we served.”
“Today is about the incredible women who have served and sacrificed,” said Jen Hines, the 3M Open’s Assistant Tournament Director. “We are thrilled that our donation can help highlight them through the women in service monument.”
Once ignored. Now recognized. Women in the military are no longer invisible.
“How many women veterans here can relate to someone noticing you wearing a military hat or shirt,” Ludwig said. “Or gassing up your vehicle with your military license plate and having that individual say to you, ‘please thank your husband for his service.’ ”
“Nobody cared”
The monument celebration was special and symbolic for Air Force vet Diane Keith.
“When it was publicized that this was going to be unveiled today, I would’ve taken whatever measure possible to get here,” Keith said. “It means so much to me.”
For Keith this was incredibly personal.
“For years and years,” Keith said, “I never talked about my service because nobody ever cared.”
Finally, there is public validation for her accomplished military career.
“When I was stationed in California I had the privilege of being on the tarmac as a welcome home committee member for the first POW’s from Vietnam,” Keith said. “To this day it makes me emotional when I talk about that.”
Keith and others are trailblazers for females who might want to join the military someday.
Said Guider: “They are leaving a blueprint to encourage and empower the next generation of young women to aspire to be anything that they want to be.”
Women currently make up 16 percent of the military. Since 2018 June 12th has been recognized as Women’s Veterans Day.
