Not only does May 26 mark Memorial Day, June 12 is Women Veterans Day. Following the city’s Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade (May 24), other events designed for female Vets and those who support them are slated to take place across Chicagoland.
For Female Veterans
Women who served are invited to share their stories from 9:30-11 a.m. during an informal coffee social (May 28) at the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In Pullman, a Veterans Coffee Break with Southside Strong (May 30) will take place from 9-11 a.m. at the Blue Door Neighborhood Center.
AmeriVet Securities has joined forces with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Chicago Veterans for Chi-Town She-Roes (June 12). The relaxed celebration features a chef-curated dinner, female camaraderie, and recognition for women of the military, naval and air service.
The Gurnee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 771 is hosting a Women’s Veteran High Tea (June 14) from 1-3 p.m. to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of female veterans. Those donning creative, elegant and fun hats can win prizes.
For Everyone
The exhibition Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military (2020-2021) may have left the Dunn Museum, however its content can still be virtually viewed here. With an emphasis on Illinois residents, the online display covers the contributions of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES), and others. In addition to numerous portraits and candid photographs (some seen in this article), Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military includes a timeline spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries as it details the achievements of female leaders who’ve made an impact on the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and the American Red Cross.
The National Women Veterans United and the Robinson Gold Star Family will honor fallen heroes at Chicago’s Military Women Veterans Center and at the Gravesite of SGT Simone A. Robinson in Alsip’s Restvale Cemetery this Monday (May 26).