Virginia honors women veterans, inspires future leaders

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) - As part of Women Veterans Week, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services hosted its annual ceremony to recognize the service of these trailblazers and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

The Virginia War Memorial served as the backdrop for the Thursday morning ceremony, where public figures and women from all branches of the military gathered to reflect on the progress made.

Virginia proudly boasts 110,000 women veterans, the largest number of women veterans per population of any state. It's a testament to the dedication and service of individuals like Lieutenant Colonel Carol S. Taylor, a retired army nurse.

“We're one big family, whether you're Army, military, Marines, Navy,” Taylor said, highlighting the camaraderie among all branches.

Delegate Jackie Glass giving remarks

In Governor Glenn Youngkin's remarks, he expressed his deep appreciation and presented special lapel pins to the honorees.

“Throughout America's history and throughout Virginia's history, women veterans have been getting it done,” Youngkin stated. “Margaret Thatcher once famously said, 'If you want something said, ask a man. You want something done, ask a woman.'”

Secretary Craig Crenshaw, a retired Marine Corps Major General, and Delegate Jackie Glass, a Navy veteran, also attended the event and delivered remarks.

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, granting women the right to serve as full, permanent members of all branches of the U.S. military.

Army veteran Doris Wollett recalls a time when women's contributions to the military were often overlooked.

Army veteran, Doris Wollett, shaking Secretary Craig Crenshaw's hand

"For so long, female veterans were unnoticed," Wollett said, "It was like we were invisible. We were behind the scene when I went in. They didn't know what to do with females."

The ceremony, however, was a moment of pride and recognition for Wollett and many others.

“You're proud to be an American. You’re proud to be a woman veteran,” Wollett said.

Taylor expressed hope that the next generation of women in service will be even larger.

“It helps you to build character, to build strength and to be a person that your country can honor,” she said.

Beyond their military service, these women veterans are making significant contributions across the Commonwealth, excelling in leadership roles in fields ranging from education and business to government and medicine.