On Friday, July 7, a new monument was unveiled in Veterans Memorial Park in Blaine dedicated to “Honoring Women in Service.” It is believed to be the first of its kind in Minnesota that pays tribute to women Veterans.
The five-sided monument honors each branch of military service and features a flame on top, which symbolizes the fire that burns in the hearts and souls of women Veterans who defend freedom. At night, it glows with red and blue lights.
This unveiling was part of a program which featured the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, a short history of the monument’s creation, the Armed Forces Medley (which is a composition of service songs that pays tribute to Veterans of each branch of the Armed Forces) and concluded with the firing of three rifle volleys with Taps. Guest speakers included Jen Hines, Assistant Tournament Director with the 3M Open, Retired United States Army Veteran Colonel Laura Ludwig and Retired United States Navy Captain Kay Bauer.
“What an incredible day honoring so many incredible women,” said Kimberly Johnson, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. “The highlight of the event was watching the connection that was made between 101-year-old WWII Navy Veteran Lois Widmark and 86-year-old Vietnam Navy Veteran Kay Bauer. Witnessing Kay sing the WAVE song to Lois was absolutely priceless, easily one of the best moments I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Kimberly Johnson previously served as the Women Veterans Coordinator for MDVA; she was part of the creation and planning of the monument and considers this one of her final accomplishments in that role. Minnesota is home to more than 24,000 women Veterans. To learn more about available benefits, services and eligibility criteria for women who served in the United States Armed Forces, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/WomenVeterans.
Visit the new monument at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast in Blaine, MN. The monument was paid for, in part, by the 3M Open.
