For 28 years, a Congressional women’s caucus has held a wreath-laying ceremony at the “Women in Military Service for America Memorial” honoring the contributions of women in the military. Take out the “wo” and what if there was ceremony to honor the contributions of men in the military at the “Men in Military Service for American Memorial”? If that sounds stupid, so is focusing just on women. Both men and women serve in the military now. Let’s move on.
As one commentor said on an article about this,
“Ladies….we have a Memorial Day, and a Veterans Day…you are more than welcome to join the team…it really goes along way to building unit cohesion and esprit de corps. You should try it.”
Or another:
“Good, do away with all of it. The foundation of the military is the most inclusive possible. Breaking out members by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, etc and giving them special recognition or awards is regressive and disruptive to unity and service cohesion.”
Or:
“We do a memorial for all servicemen regardless of sex. Why we have to have a special one for women is redundant. All servicemen are green. They all made the same sacrifice if they are in Arlington. This administration is very pro military however it’s not going to pander to specific groups. Those days are over. Thankfully.”
Or:
“We’re sick and tired of DEI (inclusivity) being used to DIVIDE the ranks. Sex and skin color have NOTHING to do with actual ACCOMPLISHMENT, VALOR, TALENT, EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE or ESPRIT DE CORPS. Back to basics. Put aside your differences and focus on THE TEAM. Period.”
Or:
“They all should be celebrated for their sacrifice and service, men and women as one. Not divided. Do we only celebrate men ..or both genders that serve? We should not celebrate only women who served.. any more than only men. You all want equality? Or to stand out separate? Can’t have both.”
Or:
“It comes just days before Women’s Veterans Recognition Day”?? So when is Men’s Veteran’s Recognition Day? I believe all who serve or served already had one Veteran’s Day. Creating Marxist intersectional groups does nothing towards unit cohesion and effectiveness, in fact does the opposite.”
Finally:
“Retired Air Force female here. We don’t need a separate ceremony or recognition for women. We don’t need special privileges. We’re ALL honored on Veterans Day!”
By Haley Fuller | Military.com
For nearly three decades, lawmakers, military leaders and veterans gathered at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery to honor the contributions of women who served in the armed forces. This year, that tradition abruptly ended.
The Bipartisan Women’s Caucus canceled its 28th Annual Women in Military Service wreath laying ceremony after several military branches declined to participate, citing Pentagon guidance connected to the Trump administration’s effort to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs throughout the federal government.
Organizers canceled the ceremony after multiple military branches declined to participate due to executive orders and Defense Department guidance restricting DEI-related activities, according to the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus. The event had traditionally featured military honor guards and participation from the services. Without that involvement, organizers concluded that the ceremony could not proceed in its customary form.
The decision has sparked criticism from lawmakers and advocates, raising a broader question of where the Pentagon draws the line between DEI programs and historical recognition.
The Department of the Air Force seemed to provide the clearest explanation.
Air Force officials who also declined the invitation for Space Force cited Executive Order 14185 and Pentagon guidance known as “Identity Months Dead at DOD” when explaining their decision. According to official statements, participation in the ceremony was determined to be inconsistent with current policy.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), a former Air Force officer, condemned the decision. In a statement released after the cancellation, Houlahan questioned how honoring women who served their country had become controversial and argued that military service should remain above partisan disputes.
Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus held a press conference on Capitol Hill on June 10. The vice chair of the caucus, Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), said the annual Arlington event should not be controversial.
“Their contributions are a part of American history, and we should be expanding opportunities to recognize that service, not restricting it,” Sykes said in a June 10 statement. “It comes just days before Women’s Veterans Recognition Day, which is actually tomorrow, a day specifically set aside to recognize the contributions of women who have served our country.
(STARRS NOTE: Do a reversal– “Men’s Veterans Recognition Day, a day specifically set aside to recognize the contributions of men who have served our country.” If it doesn’t make sense for men, it doesn’t make sense for women.)
“Instead of preparing to celebrate these women, we are here explaining why a ceremony dedicated to honoring them was effectively canceled.”
The Navy purportedly cited the same reasoning as the Air Force, while the Army cited scheduling conflicts tied to preparations for its 250th birthday celebration. The Marine Corps had not finalized its response before organizers canceled the event.
Supporters of the administration’s anti-DEI policies argue that eliminating identity-based considerations from hiring, promotions, assignments and admissions decisions strengthens meritocracy and confidence in military institutions.
Event honoring servicewomen canceled after most branches decline to attend (Task & Purpose)
An annual event put on by members of Congress to honor fallen servicewomen was canceled this year after the Navy, Air Force and Space Force bowed out, citing Pentagon and White House policies on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, according to the Democratic members of the caucus leading the event. . . . .
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