News
Perspectives: PBS Stories of Service
Friday, July 30, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - International
"Stories of Service" is an initiative by public media sources to "unite powerful stories and conversations around one of our country's most resilient communities: our military veterans." The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) offers published and upcoming shows and films, educational resources, and transitional information for the military and veterans.
4th of July 245th Celebration at Military Women’s Memorial
Sunday, July 4, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Announcement on Military Women’s Memorial:
‘Celebrate America’s 245th Independence Day with the Military Women’s Memorial!
Enjoy a delicious catered buffet, beer and wine, live music, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. While celebrating, explore our various exhibits honoring military women, including our newest display, “Summer With The Arts,” which features over 180 pieces of original art by veterans and their loved ones.
Positioned at the end of Memorial Avenue, opposite the Arlington Memorial Bridge, our view of the annual firework show at the National Mall will be unmatched.
Special group pricing available upon request (10 people and up) – send to development@womensmemorial.org.
Tickets available for purchase until Wednesday, June 30th.’
Independence Day & the Statue of Liberty
Sunday, July 4, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - National
4th of July
U.S. Census Bureau "Facts for Features"
Statue of Liberty
The statue's original name was Liberty Enlightening the World. The statue was given to the United States by the French as a centennial gift in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the July 4, 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. The statue arrived in 1885 and in 1886 it was dedicated, ten years after the anniversary.
What does the Statue of Liberty represent? She is a symbol of the ideals of friendship between nations, freedom from tyranny and oppression, and new beginnings for peoples around the world.
Emma Lazarus wrote the famous 1883 sonnet which since the early 1900s, is on a bronze plaque in the statue's pedestal.
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
June is PTSD Awareness Month: Resources for Veterans
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | Category: Mental Health - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs hosts the “National Center for PTSD,” a national resource for research, treatments and connections to assist individuals experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumatic stress. This site offers information for veterans, caregivers, family and friends.
National Military Appreciation Month
Monday, May 3, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - National
The month of May is designated as “National Military Appreciation Month.”
ALS Awareness Month: ALS in the Military...Unexpected Consequences of Military Service
Saturday, May 1, 2021 | Category: Health Care - National
On April 11, 2019, the ALS Association released a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” including reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service. In summary:
‘Existing evidence supports the conclusion that people who have served in the military are at a greater risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those with no history of military service. As outlined in this paper, study after study continues to demonstrate this to be true: If you serve in the military, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of whether you served in the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, and regardless of whether you served during a time of peace or a time of war, you are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if you had not served in the military. The questions we are asking today are these: Why is there a greater risk of ALS with military service? And what are we, as a nation, going to do about it?
It is the goal of The ALS Association that this paper raise awareness of the important work that so far has been done on the relationship between ALS and military service. In this effort, we hope to impress upon the Congress, the Administration and the American public the seriousness of this issue and the need to act now.’
In 2008, the VA implemented regulations to establish a “presumption of service connection” for ALS. Under the regulation, the VA presumes that ALS in military veterans was incurred or aggravated by a veteran’s service in the military. Veterans diagnosed with ALS are rated 100% disabled by the VA through an expedited claims process, understanding the fast progression of the disease and the need for medical equipment and services. The disabled veteran and their survivors are eligible for “service connected” benefits.
The month of May is “ALS Awareness Month,” providing an opportunity to better understand what is known about the disease and how to help afflicted veterans and others as well as their families. A reputable starting point is the ALS Association (http://www.alsa.org/search/search.jsp?query=ALS+Military&Image2.x=0&Image2.y=0).
National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month April 2021
Sunday, April 18, 2021 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - International
The month of April is “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.” Sexual assault and harassment remain systemically prevalent in many institutions, including the United States military. Long-term prevention measures are needed to effect socio-cultural attitudinal change as well as ensure safe work environments where employees can report incidences without fear of reprisal and/or retaliation.
This link includes extensive “Military Sexual Assault” and “Military Sexual Trauma’” references.
This ongoing campaign intends to raise public awareness about sexual violence in our nation and its prevalence within federal, state, public and private institutions and businesses and societal subcultures.
Women’s History Month
Monday, March 22, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - International
Every year in March, women’s continuing national and international contributions are studied, recognized and celebrated around the globe.
Video: 2020 23d Annual Memorial Day Program at WIMSA Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 | Category: History/Heritage - National
You can view the 23d Annual Memorial Day Program hosted at the Women in Military Service for America memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. at this internet link. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 memorial service was a virtual experience.
Online Women’s Memorial Day Program: May 25, 2020, 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25, 2020 | Category: History/Heritage - National
To prepare for the event, make sure you connect on the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Facebook page.
While everyone cannot come together in person, Memorial leadership is excited and honored to recognize America’s servicemembers with you on Memorial Day and every day.