Do Not Forget

W hen I was in college, I had the wonderful opportunity of studying Women's History under a professor who had actually been part of it. In World War II, she had served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots. A little over 1000 women flew every type of aircraft the U.S. Military had at its command for support missions. 38 of these women died in the service of their country. For the WASPs, there was no G. I. Bill, which was one of the major causes behind both the growth in housing and education and thus the economy in the late 40s and 50s. In 1944, the U. S. Government denied veteran's benefits to members of the WASPs. After all, despite the death and injury toll, they hadn't served combat missions. The WASPS persevered in their struggle with the government the way they had during the war, and in 1977, the status as veterans that they had earned with their service was awarded to them by President Jimmy Carter.

For so many of us, the face of a veteran belongs to a man, despite the fact that women have served in both official and unofficial roles in every war and armed conflict this nation has endured. There are an estimated 28,000 women currently deployed in the U.S. Armed Services. 58 women have died in the Middle East since this wretched war began. Nearly 500 have been injured. It is not just our brothers, sons and fathers we need to salute today. Our country is stained with the blood of our mothers, daughters and sisters as well.

Veteran's Day
feminism