Okaloosa County Celebrates Women Veterans with New Monuments and Stories

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA - This past June 12, Okaloosa County celebrated Women Veterans Day with a heartfelt ceremony in Fort Walton Beach. Col. Kristen Wood, commander of the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group, delivered a compelling keynote address. Notably, Wood chose to speak in civilian attire rather than her military uniform, as discussions around protocol had led to some uncertainty over how her message would reflect official U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense (DoD) positions. This choice did not mute her voice, but rather accentuated her commitment to advocating for women’s narratives in the military historical context. “We need to hear others’ stories,” she strongly urged, especially those belonging to female veterans whose contributions have often been overlooked.

The ceremony not only highlighted Wood’s empowering words but also included the unveiling of two new statues to honor Captain Linda Bray and Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, enriching the existing collection of eight monuments at Veterans Park. Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel recognized the importance of this representation, remarking on how the diverse monuments shine a light on women’s significant contributions to the military. This year marks the third anniversary of the Women Veterans Day ceremony, celebrated with proclamations from both state and county officials.

A Day of Significance

June 12 isn’t merely another date on the calendar; it holds historical significance as Women Veterans Recognition Day. This yearly celebration commemorates the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, legislation that granted women a permanent role in the military. As the military community looks forward to 2024, they will celebrate the 76th anniversary of this groundbreaking act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. While this holiday is not yet nationally recognized, some states, like Texas, have taken the lead in honoring this day as an official holiday since 2017.

According to Military.com, women have played crucial roles in the American military since its inception. Yet, formal acknowledgment began in 1948. The act allowed women to serve as regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force—something that had previously been restricted to civilian roles such as nursing and cooking. It’s a testament to the resilience and capability of women that they have not only served the nation alongside men but have also risen to every challenge presented in war zones. Today, women account for 20% of new recruits, 16% of active duty personnel, and 19% of National Guard and reserve forces.

Looking Ahead

The events at Veterans Park signify a growing recognition of women’s contributions and sacrifices. As Wood articulated during her address, there is an urgent need for further honors and monuments dedicated to women veterans across the country. Plans for expanding Veterans Park are underway, with proposals for a new pavilion and picnic tables aimed at enhancing visitor experience. This reflects a broader movement to acknowledge and celebrate the stories and achievements of women in the military, and it underscores the community’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all who have served.

As we continue to reflect on the importance of June 12, it’s essential to recognize the myriad of ways women have contributed to the fabric of our military history. Events like these not only honor individual stories but also galvanize a collective memory that helps shape our understanding of what it means to serve.

For more information on these celebrations, including future events, check out the Women’s Memorial’s page on National Women Veterans Recognition Day here. You can also dive deeper into the historical importance of this day at Military.com here.

The growth in honoring women veterans and their sacrifices reflects a society that recognizes the value of every story, and today, those impactful tales are finally gaining the recognition they deserve.