FORT LEE, Va. (May 20, 2010) -- Soldiers, veterans and government employees should bring their spouses, siblings, relatives and friends to the U.S. Army Women's Museum at Fort Lee, according to Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the military's first female four-star officer.
"We all can learn from the history that is preserved within the walls of the museum," the general said. "There are so many great stories of women who have served in our Army; it is important to keep (that part of our history) alive because it shows us how far women have come, how far the Army has come and where we are headed."
Dunwoody made the remarks at a homecoming luncheon May 14 at the Lee Club. It was one of several events that occurred here as part of the 2010 Army Women's Museum Homecoming celebration.
The three-day observance commemorated the museum's 55 years of history, the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the Women's Army Corps and the subsequent total integration of female Soldiers into the armed forces. Observance activities included two off-post receptions, a fun run/walk, a Retreat ceremony and a Fond Farewell Picnic on the final day of the gathering. In addition to Dunwoody, the distinguished guests included women veterans from as far away as California, Ohio and Oklahoma. There were veterans from World War II, and the Korea and Vietnam Wars. Many of those attending contributed to the building of the original museum at Fort McClellan, Ala. The intent of the homecoming was to allow veterans and those serving today to meet and discuss their experiences.
"The reason homecomings and commemorations are so important is that they give us the opportunities to reflect and be grateful for all those who served before us and helped open so many doors," said Dunwoody in her remarks about the event. "In the lifetime of many of those in this room, Army women have gone from just being allowed to serve (in limited career fields), to where they are today as an absolutely essential component of the modern-day battlefield."
That transition can be experienced through the meticulous dioramas, storyboards, photo displays and video presentations offered at the Army Women's Museum. Among the exhibits are stories of brave, persistent and innovative female service members - many who served without rank, equal pay or benefits - from the time of the American Revolution to the current Global War on Terrorism.
Originally named the Women's Army Corps Museum when it was established on May 15, 1955, at Fort McClellan, the facility that pays homage to the service of female troops was relocated to Fort Lee in 1997 and redesignated as the U. S. Army Women's Museum.
Over the last five years, visitation to the museum has increased by 40 percent, according to Francoise Bonnell, its acting director. A record 28,000 people visited the facility last year and more than 8,500 school-aged children participated in its education programs.
Reflecting on the overall purpose of the museum and its continued success in telling the story of women in the military, World War II veteran Mattie Stephens said she was proud to participate in the homecoming celebration.
"It was nice visiting this beautiful facility and seeing all the women who have contributed to our history," she said.
Tracy Bradford, an education specialist at the museum, said the homecoming celebration reaffirmed the importance of the museum's mission.
"It is always an honor to meet the women who lived this history, and we are proud to keep their stories alive," she said. "We also hope that many of the veterans will contribute their personal histories so that we can continue the story."
While the conclusion of the recent celebration closed another chapter in the history of the U.S. Army Women's Museum, the symbolism of the event is a story that continues to be told throughout the ranks of the U.S. Armed Forces. As new generations of women enter and exit the Army, the museum hopes to inspire those individuals to strive for excellence.
In her remarks, Dunwoody offered the following words of encouragement: "The sky is the limit. Follow your passion and believe you can do anything you want to do ... don't let anyone stand in your way."
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