The 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor: A Tribute to Women Who Serve
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, it was a life-changing event for Americans nationwide. More than 2,400 Americans were killed that day, with nearly 1,250 wounded.
On hand to care for the killed and wounded were 82 Army and 42 Navy nurses. An additional 114 nurses were provided by the Red Cross, and several military wives were of assistance as well – brave, resilient women who were only the beginning of our new societal role as women.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt declared war, and the course of our nation’s history was forever altered – men AND women, in partnership, would be responsible for America’s future.
During the course of World War II, more than 400,000 of our nation’s women donned the military uniform; and an additional 6.5 million held jobs in the war industry – women were no longer tied to domestic roles, and they were proud of it.
“We can do it,” was their slogan as they filled factories and farms in support of the war effort. And not only did they do it, they did it well.
Their impact was significant, and as stated by Leila J. Rupp in her studies on World War II, “For the first time, the working woman dominated the public image.”
With today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, women make up more than 15 percent of our Armed Forces – and it is clear that had the women of the World War II era been allowed to, they would have been in the fight.
So as Maya Angelou so gracefully put it, “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
Equally important to note is that heroes and she-roes do not exist on the battlefield alone. As we honor Pearl Harbor, we celebrate women world-wide – the she-roes – who give to something greater than yourselves. We celebrate the power of women and the power of partnerships. We celebrate life.
In the celebration of life, it is vital to maintain perspective.
I served with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. We were deployed to Diyala province, Iraq, with the capital city of Baqouba . Baqouba is located 35 miles northeast of Baghdad, and the province shares a several-hundred mile border with Iran. Needless to say, it was a terrorist safe haven.
During our 14-month deployment, 110 of my brothers-in-arms were killed, with countless others wounded – several of whom were close friends. As public affairs, my team and I were responsible for covering all memorial ceremonies – 110 funerals in 14-months is something I hope no one, other than a funeral director, has to experience in their life. So throughout my time in the Army, particularly Iraq, I learned the greatest lesson in life…
Perspective.
We are all aware – consciously or subconsciously – that today could be our last day. However, there was no greater experience than that of war, to bring this to the forefront of my thoughts. Life in Iraq became black and white, life and death – and the appreciation for life becomes indescribable. With that appreciation comes understanding and gratefulness – What is truly a bad day? What am I truly thankful for? Do those I love and care for truly know it? And what can I do to fulfill my purpose until that last day comes?
Perspective.
When women come together to support each other’s goals and dreams, and gather to help others, we not only enhance our lives, we empower others. Together, we have the power to change the world.
And the world is not limited to the overarching universe, because as you volunteer and serve, you are changing people’s worlds. You are she-roes – she-roes with perspective.
If the strength of a woman can change the world, imagine what the strength of women working in partnership can do.
Henry Ford said “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Add the power of women working together to the combination of his statement, and you will work wonders. With the nurturing nature, wisdom, and heavenly fire which lies in the heart of all women, our journeys give us strength and the ability to succeed.
You, as a woman of service are fulfilling a purpose far greater than yourselves – it is admirable, beyond a doubt. During your time of service, I encourage you to focus on perspective – learn your passions and embrace them. Remember, as women, you have the power to change the world. Leave your mark on it one day at a time, always living as if it were your last.
By: Serena Hayden, Director of Strategic Initiatives, I SUPPORT VETS