Plinky's Coin of the Month
November 1999

What group of veterans does the memorial shown on this coin honor?  To date, 1.8 million have served in and with the American military.

Hint: The memorial sits at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.

Since the Revolutionary War, 1.8 million women have served in and with the American military.  The roles these patriots have played in our country's history are rich and varied.  One of the first women veterans we know about is Margaret Corbin.  She fought alongside her husband at the Battle of Fort Washington.  On July 6, 1779, the Continental Congress awarded her the first federal pension for a woman wounded in battle.

Not surprisingly, the number of women in the military has grown along with this country and women's rights.  Recently, 41,000 military women served in the Persian Gulf War—7 percent of the troops.  These women flew planes and helicopters, directed artillery, worked aboard hospital ships and in mobile medical units, and served in dozens of other ways.

The Women In Military Service For America Memorial is this nation's first major monument honoring women veterans.  At the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the memorial spans 4.2 acres.  Since opening in October 1997, it's been a visible reminder of the 1.8 million women who've played an active part in our military history.