Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Washington D.C.

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA), commonly known as the Women's Memorial, is a significant national monument established by the U.S. federal government to honor women who have served alongside the United States Armed Forces since the American Revolution up to the present day.

Situated at the western terminus of Memorial Avenue, at the primary entrance to Arlington National Cemetery known as the Memorial Gate, this structure was originally named the Hemicycle and was constructed in 1932. In 1988, it was designated as the location for WIMSA, which was formally inaugurated in 1997.

The memorial seamlessly combines Neoclassical and Modern architectural styles. It preserves the Hemicycle's original structure and adds a highly regarded skylight on its terrace. This skylight serves not only as a tribute to servicewomen but also as a connection to the memorial below. The memorial also houses a visitor center that features rotating special exhibits.

While women were not officially integrated into the U.S. military until the 20th century, WIMSA pays homage to all women who have displayed unwavering patriotism and courage, becoming an indispensable part of America's national identity. It ensures that their contributions to the country are forever etched in our memory.

The on-site Education Center offers a historical perspective on the women who have defended America throughout its history, encompassing those who served in various capacities in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as their predecessors during earlier times of crisis. Photographs of female veterans from their service years alongside their current lives provide a powerful source of inspiration. This memorial stands as a symbol of the nation's gratitude.