Virginia will recognize the contributions of the thousands of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces by hosting its ninth annual Virginia Women Veterans Week this month.
From March 15-21, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services will celebrate the more than 110,000 women veterans residing in the state.
“We are proud that Virginia remains a leader in honoring the contributions of women veterans and that the Virginia Department of Veterans Services was a pioneer in recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities women veterans face when they transition from military service to civilian life,” said Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John Maxwell.
This year’s theme is “She Leads the Legacy: Trailblazers in Motion,” which will highlight the women who have paved the way and continue to provide leadership for other veterans.
Virginia is home to the highest concentration of women veterans in the nation, according to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
As part of the celebration, there will be a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, located at 621 South Belvidere St, in Richmond. The ceremony will include guest speakers, tributes to Virginia women veterans and the presentation of Virginia Women Veteran lapel pins to all women veterans in attendance. There is no fee to attend.
“This is the largest percentage of women veterans per population size of any state – and thousands more women currently serve in Virginia in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves,” said Neikesha Thompson, Women Veteran Liaison at Department of Veterans Services and U.S. Army combat veteran. “Virginia Women Veterans Week and this special recognition ceremony are a heartfelt tribute from all Virginians of their courage, dedication and resilience.”
Following the recognition ceremony, there will be a Virginia Women Veterans luncheon at the Virginia War Memorial. Pre-registration to attend the luncheon is required due to limited seating.
Those who wish to attend both the recognition ceremony and luncheon may register here. Those who wish to attend the recognition ceremony only can register here. Registrants only need to select one option upon registration. The deadline for registration is March 13.