Staying true to our mission, our signature program HERstory explores the lived experiences of women veterans throughout American history. September 11, 2001– a day we will never forget. To mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, MWM President Phyllis Wilson sat down with women and asked them to share their 9/11 HERstories, their “where were you when” moments.

Elizabeth “Betty” Splaine joined the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, the SPARS, during World War II. She continued her service after the war for another twenty years, becoming the Coast Guard’s first female warrant officer in 1958. The HERstory Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world-class collection.The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.

Charity Adams Earley was the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. Army during World War II. She commanded the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only contingent of Black WACs to serve overseas during the war. In spring 2022, President Biden signed the bipartisan legislation to award the 6888th the Congressional Gold Metal. The HERstory Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world-class collection. The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon, suffragist, and feminist reformer. In 1865, she was awarded the Medal of Honor for her service as a contract surgeon with the Union Army during the Civil War. Dr. Walker remains, to this day, the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor. The HERstory Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both the Military Women's Memorial (MWM) Register, an interactive online database of military women, and MWM's world class collection. The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.

Join us as we recreate a World War I donut recipe used by Ethel Ash. Ash volunteered with the YMCA, a uniformed organization that worked alongside the military to boost morale. She served in France where she made hundreds of donuts a day for soldiers, with limited ingredients available to her. The Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world class collection.Recipe:1 cup water¼ cup butter¼ cup sugar¼ teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons cocoa powder½ teaspoon vanilla extract1 ¼ cup self-rising flour½ cup Sweetened Condensed MilkMusic: https://www.bensound.com

In 1970, Aida Nancy Sanchez deployed to Vietnam as a physical therapist, where she treated Americans, Vietnamese, and even the president of Cambodia. The Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world class collection.The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.Music: Mushroom Funghi, https://freemusicarchive.org

The First World War brought women into new roles in the military to fill jobs that would free men to be sent to the war in Europe. Opha May Johnson made history in 1918 as the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps. The Spotlight Series takes a look at stories from both our Register, an interactive online database of military women, and our world class collection.The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.Music: https://www.bensound.com

This lesson tells how and why our Navy was created. After the Revolutionary War, Barbary pirates preyed on American vessels and held seamen for ransom. In 1794, Congress reestablished the Navy with authorization for six vessels.

Rebekah Edmondson and Mahnaz Akbari both served in Afghanistan – Rebekah as a member of the Cultural Support Team and Mahnaz as a commander of the Female Tactical Platoon. Learn about the unique role American and Afghan women played at a time when US servicewomen were not allowed to fill combat positions.The Military Women’s Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org.