Women Veterans Day 2018 — A Texas First

BY: Lillian Gregory, Change Ambassador for Organizations and Careers | Veterans Advocate | Author

I woke up yesterday in anticipation of Women Veterans Day 2018. Events were planned all over the state, but I chose to participate in the City of Dallas.

The city’s events were driven by a partnership between Representative Victoria Neave (author of Women Veterans Day legislation) and Women Veterans Enterprise Center’s VR Small, a US Navy veteran. Last year’s events were groundbreaking — literally. It would be an understatement to say that this year’s celebrations were spectacular!!

From Dallas City Hall (morning) to VFW 6796 (evening), Women Veterans from all branches and all wars were recognized with an all-female color guard, historical reflections, a fallen comrade table, prayers, speeches, role calls, flags, flowers, certificates, handshakes, photos, and long overdue acknowledgement for heeding the call to serve our nation. Since I attended both events, my name was called twice which was totally unexpected.

Corporate sponsors included AT&T, Pepsi, and many others who provided food, door prizes, discounts, and giveaways for Women Veterans.

If you were downtown Dallas at dusk, you would have seen buildings light up in red, white, and blue with the US Flag waving across the Omni Hotel in tribute to Women Veterans — a fitting end to a spectacular day.

We will move forward in solidarity as we continue to shine the spotlight on Women Veterans…