At the entrance to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, stands the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, an enduring reminder of their contributions to their country. With its striking architecture, its arched entrance, its reflecting pools, and its glass ceiling, it evoked a sense of pride and patriotism in the James E. Coffey contingent of female members attending the dedication on Saturday, October 18, 1997. The ceremony was awe-inspiring.
"I was so moved by the memorial. There were so many people but you could still hear a pin drop", said Gerry Schweigardt, a captain in the US Air Force Nurses Corps, 1960-64.
"I never saw so many young brass. It was unbelievable. When I was in they (women officers in the 1980s) were in their 50s", said Paula Morin-Schedin, a Marine Corps veteran, 1981-84.
Other Post 3 members in attendace at the dedication were:
Theresa Sullivan Cassidy, a veteran of the US Army Nursing Corps in 1945
Eva Blanchette, a Specialist in the Women's Army Corps, 1954-57.
Rita Thibeault Landry, a USAF airman first class , 1950-54.
Margaret 'Peg' Moore, a corporal in the Women's Marine Corps, 1954-56. In 1993, she was elected as the first female commander of the James E. Coffey Post 3.
The female veterans are shown In the photo from left to right. They are:
Rita Landry, Gerry Schweigardt, Theresa Cassidy, Peg Moore, Paula Morin-Schedin and Eva Blanchette.
