National Park Service Honors Women at War Armed Forces, USO, United War Veterans Council and National Archives join NPS to explore women’s wartime roles from WWII to the present

The National Park Service (NPS) at Federal Hall National Memorial concludes its Women’s History Month series with the special program, “Women at War,” on Wednesday, March 30.

“Women at War” explores the roles in which women have served the United States during times of armed conflict from World War II to the present, including the home front.  A National Park Service Ranger will offer lively costumed interpretation of an American Red Cross ‘Clubmobile’ worker from WWII, talking with visitors about what life was like as a “Doughnut Dolly” serving coffee and doughnuts to servicemen to raise moral – a job she will re-enact on the front steps of Federal Hall. The National Archives display located inside the building will showcase stunning documents and photos from WWII that bring home the struggles and sacrifices of the era.

A woman’s place within the military has changed radically since WWII. Over the course of six decades and wars that include Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia-Kosovo and Afghanistan-Iraq, women have integrated into every service in nearly every position and level.

Female veterans as well as active duty members of United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy will speak throughout the day, sharing their military experiences with visitors and answering questions. Among them is Dr. Olivia Hooker who, in February 1945, became the first African-American woman admitted into the United States Coast Guard. Other speakers included commissioned and non-commissioned officers from a variety of disciplines within the armed forces, some of whom have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Complete list of speakers provided below)

Representatives of the services will also speak with visitors informally; their table-top displays highlighting the array of work women in the armed forces do, including how the U.S. Coast Guard tests for pollutants in America’s waterways. In addition to the exhibits inside Federal Hall, the Marine Corps and the Army each plan to set up a display vehicle in front of Federal Hall. If the day’s conditions allow, those “Hummers” will be joined by a U.S. Coast Guard boat.

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A member of the USO’s Liberty Bells will be on hand to talk about services the USO offers American troops and ways individuals can say “We Support You.” The United War Veterans Council will share information about veterans’ services, organizations and ways for the public to honor their service to their country.

 “This program is a wonderful opportunity for the National Park Service to talk about not only Women’s History Month but also Federal Hall’s history as the birthplace of the Bill of Rights while honoring the service of those who ensure that we continue to enjoy the freedoms enshrined by our Constitution,” said Shirley McKinney, superintendent of Federal Hall National Memorial.

“But one doesn’t need to enlist in the armed forces to assist their defense of our rights and freedoms. Groups such as the USO and Red Cross have and continue to assist troops both in peace and wartime, bringing much needed comfort. And, organizations like the United War Veterans Council never stop advocating for our veterans and finding ways to ensure that we never forget their service and sacrifices. We are delighted that all these groups have come together at Federal Hall for this special program.”

Program Schedule

Women at War: A Women’s History Month Program

Wednesday, March 30, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10:30am:         Welcome

            National Anthem performed by USO Liberty Bell

11–11:45am:         U.S. Coast Guard: Olivia Hooker, PhD, SPAR, 1945, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Bonnie Lynne Wysocki, 12-month tour in Iraq 2009-10.

11:50-12:35pm:           U.S. Army: Lt. Col. Sue Bozgoz, Retired, former All-Army Marathon coach

12:40–1:25pm:      U.S. Marine Corps: Capt. Beth Anne Canero, 1st Marine Corps District
Adjutant, and Sgt. Jin Lee, Recruiting Station New York

1:30–2:15pm: U.S. Navy: Candice Williams, OS2, Brooklyn

2:20–3:05pm:        U.S. Air Force: 1st Lt. April Widman, 305th Maintenance Group
Executive Officer, and Staff Sgt. Yvonne Lewis, 817th Contingency
Response Group

10:30am-4pm:             Informational displays for each of the Armed Services

            Informational display for the USO

            Informational display for the United War Veterans Council

Costumed Interpretation of Red Cross Worker by NPS Ranger

Informational displays on Rosie the Riveter National

Historical Park and the war memorials at the National Mall

National Archives Document Discovery and WWII Artifacts

Speakers Schedule Subject to Change.