As you know, Concord has a long and proud military history. From the earliest days of the American Revolution to the most recent conflicts, our brave men have always answered the call to serve our nation. But what we often forget is that women have been part of that service every step of the way.
From the early days of the American Revolution, women served as nurses, spies, and other important roles. During the Civil War, women served as nurses (looking at you, Louisa May Alcott) and laundresses. Did any women fight alongside the men in that war? I don’t know the answer to the question, but I think we should find out. During World War II, women served in the Women’s Army Corps, the Women’s Air Force and the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve. And during the Korean War and Vietnam War, women continued to serve in the armed forces in a variety of ways.
It’s time to recognize the courage and patriotism of these women by including them in the roll call for military service in Concord and memorializing them in statues. We must recognize that women are just as capable as men when it comes to serving in the military and that their service has been just as important.
Including women in the roll call and memorializing them in statues is a fitting way to honor their service. It’s a way to ensure that their contributions to the defense of our nation are never forgotten.
So, let’s do it!
Sincerely,
Noreen Chase
Concord Crossing