Sandra Day O'Connor [automatically transcribed, may contain inaccuracies]
Secretary Cohen, General Vaught, distinguished guests here today and women of the United States military service. This is such a special moment, and a very proud day for women. I'm here today, not as a member of the military service, not as a veteran, but as a woman, as a grandmother, and perhaps as just a judicious observer. From the American Revolution, to Operation Desert Storm women have served in the military for most of the nation's history. That service was unauthorized and carried out by women as volunteers, sometimes disguised as men. Approximately 127 women fought and skies is soldiers in the Civil War. After a century beginning in 1901, the United States Army established an auxiliary for nurses. Women did not become a permanent part of our armed services until 1948. But their number was kept 2% of the active duty force. That ceiling was lifted in 1967. Today, women represent about 11% of our armed forces. Some 211,000 women are on active duty, and there are some one and a half million American women who are veterans of the military service today. It is time indeed that we dedicate this splendid memorial to the women who have served in the military. As major Beatrice hood stroke, put it This isn't just my brother's country or my husband's country, it's my country as well. Indeed it is. Women have taken their places and all fields of endeavor in this country, from outer space to ocean depths, from battlefields to Court Room benches, from Chow lines to the front lines. Today, out of the shadows, acknowledge that last as an ongoing permanent part of America's armed forces. This memorial is dedicated to our women, soldiers, sailors, Air Force, marine and Coast Guard personnel in our nation's most hallowed place of honor at Arlington National Cemetery, at the base of the hill, symbolic I think of women's ascent we have this handsome and informative Memorial to American service women. It makes all of us here today. And those of us who will visit it in the future Stand a little taller. feel a little better about ourselves. General Bob, you were a determined and dedicated leader to direct this project. We salute you and all the women present past and future who served and will serve our nation in our armed forces. May God bless you, one on off