Kingman-Mojave County held its first Women Veterans Day ceremony to celebrate female veterans and the sacrifices they made to protect our country.
Dozens of community members and veterans attended the event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park at 310 W. Beale Street in Kingman. From the Air Force to the Navy, Mojave County women have played a key role in every war in which America has been involved.
“They’re on their mission and coming back where they left off,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ann Senney. “They didn’t always feel comfortable or welcome in veterans’ circles, and were sometimes known as invisible veterans. We are proud and happy that our invisible women are joining us.”
June 12th is recognized as Women’s Veterans Day. On this day in 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women’s Military Integration Act, which allowed women to serve in the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force.
Senny said local female veterans should be celebrated and recognized for their service and sacrifice. Women have always been important in warfare, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Some women act as scapegoats if their husbands are killed or wounded in action, she said. The first woman to receive a disability pension from Congress for injuries sustained while serving in the military was Margaret Corbyn, who was wounded after taking over her husband’s artillery in the American Revolutionary War.
Women like Deborah Sampson also sometimes wore men’s clothing to serve their country in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. “During the Civil War, women disguised themselves as men and fought on both sides. Women were also active as spies and medical workers,” Senny said. Cathay Williams is a former slave and the only woman known to have served as a Buffalo soldier.
During World War I and World War II, military nurses served near the front lines, risking their lives for others. About 540 American servicemen died during World War II. Eight of her women died in Vietnam and their names are engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial.
Since 1990, more than 280 women have died during various Gulf War operations, including Arizona Hopi soldier Lori Piestewa, who died during the Iraq War. Over 1,100 were wounded and two were taken prisoner.
“I am sharing this information not to discourage, but to raise awareness,” Saney said. “Women were never conscripted, so all women serve voluntarily.”
About a dozen women revealed which branch of the military they belonged to and where they served. Attendees also sang the national anthems of their respective military branches.
Women make up 17.3% of active duty forces, according to US Department of Defense 2021 statistics. Arizona has approximately 52,000 female veterans.
Penny Pugh, Chief of Staff to US Congressman Paul Gossar (R-Arizona) presented the organizers with a certificate of congressional approval. This certificate recognizes a female veteran and her service and dedication to her country. Kingman Mayor Ken Watkins read a proclamation at the ceremony, highlighting the service women provided during each war and the impact local veterans had on their communities.
“Thank you for being here on this important day to remember our sisters who served in the past and, of course, still serve,” Watkins said.
