Alexandria, VA – Athena. Freyja. Morrigan. Sekhmet. Durga. Bellona. Anat. Ianna. Oya. Kali. You may recognize a name or two. What is this list? It is the names of the ten mythological war goddesses considered the fiercest in world history. As a woman veteran, I am in some really awesome company!
The association of women with war has endured since ancient times. Based on the long-standing tradition of personifying abstract virtues or universal concepts as female figures, those goddesses were both feared and venerated for their ability to bring victory in battle, as well as their nurturing maternal roles as protectors of society. Athena, ancient Greek goddess of victory and womanly virtue, or Minerva in Roman mythology, is a widely used representation of wisdom in peace and female warrior empowerment in the United States even to this day.
According to mythology, Athena was birthed from the head of Zeus dressed in full armor. Little wonder, the Pallas Athena was adopted as the symbol of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, later Women’s Army Corps. Her profile was featured on the branch insignia and the World War II Women’s Army Corps Service Medal. Currently, the Army and Navy military service Medals of Honor, the Nation’s highest award for valor, depict images of Athena/Minerva in their designs.
June 12 is Women Veterans Recognition Day. It commemorates President Harry S. Truman’s signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on that day in 1948. This legislation granted women the right to serve full-time in the regular armed forces, and paved the way for military careers for thousands of women. Congress did briefly give the Women’s Army Corps full army status during WWII. Otherwise, only female nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime. All other women were released after each conflict. And because of their status, many encountered roadblocks when trying to take advantage of veterans benefit programs, such as the G.I. Bill.
Women Veterans Recognition Day is not a separate Veterans Day for women, or even a national holiday. A resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2020 to have the date officially recognized to “highlight the growing presence of women in the Armed Forces and the National Guard; and pay respect to women veterans for their dutiful military service.” Currently, about half of our states have issued legislation or proclamations, or commemorate the date through various organizations. Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 250, offered January 8, 2025, reads in part:
“WHEREAS, women veterans deserve respect for making significant contributions to and sacrifices while in the armed forces; now, therefore, be it
“RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate June 12, in 2025 and in each succeeding year, as Women Veterans Day in Virginia.”
Today, more than 2.1 million women veterans comprise the fastest growing group of veterans in the United States. Just 4% in 2000, by 2040 they are projected to make up 18% of the total veteran population.
Women veterans have a rich history all the way back to those goddesses of war. To register your story, learn more about women veterans, or to volunteer, visit the Women in Military Service to America Memorial next to Arlington Cemetery, or go online to search for any number of organizations supporting women veterans.
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If you are a veteran or know a veteran or family member who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; or contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
