Women in Military Service for America Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Women in Military Service for America Memorial |
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 Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | Arlington County, Virginia, United States |
| Area | 4.2 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Established | October 17, 1997 |
| Visitors | 200,000 (in 2016) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | |
| Architect | Weiss/Manfredi |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000605 |
| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1982 |
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, also known as the Military Women's Memorial, is a special place that honors women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It was created by the U.S. government. You can find this memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
The building that holds the memorial was first called the Hemicycle. It was built in 1932 to be a grand entrance to the cemetery. However, it was never used for this purpose and fell into disrepair. In 1985, the U.S. Congress approved the idea for a women's memorial. The Hemicycle was chosen as the perfect spot in 1988. Architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi from New York City won a design contest. Their first design caused some debate, so they revised it. The final design was approved in 1995. Construction started in June 1995, and the memorial officially opened on October 18, 1997.
The memorial is special because it blends old-style Neoclassical architecture with Modern architecture. It kept most of the original Hemicycle building. A new skylight on the terrace is a key part of the design. It helps visitors move from the outside to the memorial rooms below.
Contents
The Hemicycle Building
A Historic Entrance
The memorial is inside the Hemicycle, which was meant to be a grand entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Before this, the cemetery had simpler gates. The Hemicycle was built to create a more impressive gateway. It also honored the 200th birthday of George Washington, America's first President and a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Many public projects were planned in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Washington's birthday. These included the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway. The bridge connects Washington, D.C., to Virginia. To link the bridge to Arlington National Cemetery, a wide road called Memorial Avenue was built. A new entrance to the cemetery was planned to replace the older, less grand gates.
In 1924, Congress set aside $1 million to build Memorial Avenue and the Hemicycle. The architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White won the job. William Mitchell Kendall designed the Hemicycle. He imagined a large, semi-circular wall with decorations. This wall would hold back the hill behind it. It would also offer a great view of the parkway. The United States Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) approved the design in 1928.
Work on Memorial Avenue began in 1930. The CFA approved the Hemicycle's building plans in 1930. Construction started on July 1, 1931. By April 1932, Memorial Avenue was mostly done. The Hemicycle was unofficially opened by President Herbert Hoover in January 1932. It cost $900,000 to build. The official opening was on April 9.
The Great Depression made it hard to finish the Hemicycle. Funds were cut in 1933. But President Franklin D. Roosevelt believed in public works projects. He signed a law that provided $6 billion for such projects. Washington, D.C., received money to finish the Hemicycle and Memorial Avenue.
Work continued even after it was considered "finished." In 1934, white oak trees were planted along Memorial Avenue. By 1936, the Hemicycle was fully lit at night.
What the Hemicycle Looked Like
The Hemicycle is a Neoclassical half-circle. It is 30 feet (9 meters) high and 226 feet (69 meters) wide. It acts as a retaining wall for the hill behind it. In the center is a curved space called an apse. It is 20 feet (6 meters) wide and 30 feet (9 meters) high. The Great Seal of the United States is carved in granite above the apse. On either side are the seals of the United States Army and the United States Department of the Navy.
Along the front of the Hemicycle are 10 false doors or niches. These were meant to hold sculptures or artworks. The apse originally had a fountain. A grassy area filled the space in front of the Hemicycle.
On top of the Hemicycle is a terrace, 24 feet (7 meters) wide. There were stairs at each end to reach the terrace. Above these entrances were granite eagles. However, these entrances were never opened for over 50 years.
Memorial Avenue splits into two roads at the Hemicycle. These roads pass through iron gates into Arlington National Cemetery. The north gate is named the Schley Gate. The south gate is named the Roosevelt Gate. Each gate has a gold wreath with the shield of one of the armed services from 1932.
Tall granite pylons stand at each end of the Hemicycle. They are 50 feet (15 meters) tall and topped with decorative urns. Each pylon also has a gold-gilded lamp.
Hemicycle's Later Years
The Hemicycle was never fully completed as planned. A large statue was supposed to be in the central apse. Designs were approved in 1935 and 1936, but the statue was never built. The niches were also never filled with memorials. Few people visited the site because there was no parking nearby.
By the 1980s, the Hemicycle was in very bad shape. It had never been used for its intended purpose. The National Park Service, which managed it, did not maintain it much. Many stone blocks were damaged, and weeds grew everywhere. The structure also leaked, causing discoloration and damage to the stones.
Creating the Women In Military Service For America Memorial
The Idea for a Memorial
In the early 1980s, women who had served in the military started asking for a memorial to honor them. They gained support from a veterans' group called the American Veterans Committee in 1982. Representative Mary Rose Oakar introduced a bill in Congress to create the memorial.
At first, some government officials, like the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service, were against the idea. They thought existing memorials already honored women. However, the bill passed the House of Representatives in 1985.
United States Air Force Brigadier General Wilma Vaught argued that a simple statue was not enough. She believed a memorial with exhibits about women's contributions was needed. In late 1985, the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation was created. Its goal was to raise money and convince Congress to approve the memorial.
The Foundation gained support from large veterans' groups like the American Legion. The United States Department of Defense also said they had no objections. This helped remove most reasons to oppose the bill. The National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission then approved the memorial. Since the National Park Service was part of this commission, their earlier objections were dropped.
In October 1986, Congress passed the bill to create the memorial. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law on November 6, 1986. The law required that all money be raised and construction start by November 1991.
Finding the Right Location
After retiring in 1985, Brigadier General Vaught became the main spokesperson for the memorial foundation. She believed the memorial should be near other military sites. The search for a location began in 1988. They first looked at the National Mall, but no spot was big enough for the memorial they imagined.
Then, Vaught saw the Hemicycle. She learned it was not being used and was in bad shape. She thought it would be a good place for the memorial. She also believed it would be easier to get approval for the Hemicycle site than for a spot on the National Mall.
The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) had to approve the site. National Park Service officials said the memorial would help fix up the old Hemicycle. Army officials said it would show that women also helped in wars. Vaught promised to build an educational memorial with computers, exhibits, and a theater. She also said it would not take away from the dignity of Arlington National Cemetery. The CFA approved the Hemicycle as the site in June 1988. They stressed that the design should not change the Hemicycle's look too much.
Designing the Memorial
To start the design process, the Foundation surveyed the site in August 1988. The design competition was announced in December 1988. Anyone over 18 could submit a design. The design had to include the Hemicycle, a visitors' center, an auditorium, and a computer room. The estimated cost was $15 million to $20 million.
The judging process was complex. A panel of architects, artists, and military generals reviewed 139 designs. They looked for designs that honored women's service and fit the Hemicycle.
Three top designs were chosen. One design, by Michael A. Manfredi and Marion G. Weiss, proposed 10 tall, lit glass pylons behind the Hemicycle. These would be reached by stairs through the existing niches. Another design suggested bronze trees and an underground visitors' center.
The Foundation asked the finalists to improve their designs. They wanted a focus on the visitors' center, auditorium, and Hemicycle restoration. They also suggested placing the visitors' center behind the Hemicycle.
The Winning Design
The winning design by Manfredi and Weiss was chosen in November 1989. It featured 10 triangular, 39-foot (12-meter) high illuminated glass pyramids on top of the Hemicycle. These represented the challenges women faced in the military. An underground computer room and visitors' center were planned behind the Hemicycle. This center would have an auditorium, computer terminals, and display areas. Visitors would enter through stairs created by piercing four niches in the Hemicycle. The Hemicycle itself would be restored with a new grass plaza and small groups of trees.
The Foundation hoped to start construction in November 1991. The memorial was estimated to cost $15 million to build. Another $10 million was needed for its ongoing care. However, by 1991, the Foundation had only raised about $1 million. Congress gave them a two-year extension to raise more funds and start construction.
Building the Women In Military Service For America Memorial
Getting Design Approval
Brigadier General Vaught worked with Weiss/Manfredi to change the design. In March 1992, they presented a new plan. The tall illuminated pylons were removed. Instead, 108 horizontal glass panels formed a skylight for the memorial below. These panels would have quotes from servicewomen. A thin stream of water would flow over them.
The underground area behind the Hemicycle would have a curved gallery. This would house the auditorium, computer room, and exhibition hall. The new design was praised by architecture critics. They called it a "significant addition" and "sensitive, consistent, and poetic."
The National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission approved the revised plan in May 1992. The National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts also approved it in July.
Raising More Funds
By August 1992, the Foundation still had only $1 million for construction. To help, First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton and former First Lady Barbara Bush became honorary chairs.
In June 1993, the Foundation started a new fundraising effort: selling commemorative coins. Congress approved a $1 silver and $5 gold coin. For each coin sold, $10 went to the Memorial Foundation. By March 1995, over half a million coins were sold.
The Memorial's authorization expired again in November 1993. Congress granted another three-year extension. The Foundation also secured a $9.5 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to repair the Hemicycle itself. By July 1994, the Foundation aimed to raise $2 million more by April 1995. This would allow construction to begin.
In October 1994, the memorial design was presented again. Concerns about lighting and trees were addressed. The CFA finally approved the design in March 1995. The National Capital Planning Commission gave its final approval in April.
Starting Construction
Groundbreaking for the memorial happened on June 22, 1995. To start, $15 million for construction had to be available. Major donations came from veterans' groups and other organizations. AT&T and General Motors also donated. President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Clinton, and other important people attended the ceremony. About 6,000 women veterans and their families were there.
Even though $6 million still needed to be raised, the Foundation planned to open the memorial in October 1997.
Building the Memorial
Clark Construction was the main builder. Construction began in January 1996. Workers removed a lot of soil and built the foundation. They then put over 25 tons (23 metric tons) of Yule Marble on the interior walls. This is the same type of marble used for the Tomb of the Unknowns.
By February 1997, construction was halfway done. The terrace was almost complete, and frames for the glass panels were being installed. The last step was restoring the Hemicycle. This included cleaning the walls and installing the fountain, reflecting pool, and landscaping. The project took almost two years and cost $21.5 million. Many of the construction managers were women.
Dedication Day
As the October 17, 1997, dedication neared, the memorial still needed money for exhibits and equipment. The Foundation decided to borrow money. This meant only a few exhibits were ready on opening day. More permanent exhibits would be installed later.
On October 11, 1997, the United States Postal Service announced a commemorative stamp honoring the memorial. The stamp featured five women representing different military branches.
The dedication ceremonies began on October 16 with a candlelight march. On October 17, there was a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. A ceremony for 5,000 people followed. The main memorial ceremony included a fly-over by military aircraft, all piloted by women. This was the first time this had happened in U.S. history. Speakers included Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Vice President Al Gore, and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sandra Day O'Connor. President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton sent a video message.
A special moment was when 101-year-old Frieda Mae Greene Hardin, a World War I veteran, was escorted to the podium. She wore her old Navy uniform. About 30,000 people attended the ceremony.
Exploring the Women in Military Service for America Memorial
The Women in Military Service for America Memorial covers 4.2 acres (1.7 hectares) at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors usually approach from Memorial Avenue. You first see the Hemicycle, which is 30 feet (9 meters) high and 226 feet (69 meters) wide. In the center is an apse with the Great Seal of the United States carved above it. The seals of the U.S. Army and Navy are also there. Six circular niches along the front are inlaid with red granite. These niches have carvings of oak or laurel leaves, which symbolize bravery.
Between these niches are rectangular doorways. These lead to stairways that go inside the memorial.
A fountain with 200 water jets is in the center of the apse. The water flows down a stone channel into a circular reflecting pool. The pool is about 78 to 80 feet (24 meters) wide. A plaza of light gray granite surrounds the fountain. Sidewalks of black granite lead to the Hemicycle wall.
The stairs inside the Hemicycle wall lead down into the memorial's main gallery. You can also go up the stairs to the Hemicycle's terrace.
The terrace on top of the Hemicycle is 24 feet (7 meters) wide. It has a granite balustrade from the original Hemicycle. Along the west side are 108 thick glass panels. These form a skylight for the main gallery below. Many panels have quotes from servicewomen throughout American history. Some are left blank for future inscriptions.
Four staircases lead from the terrace to the back of the memorial, where you can go down into the main gallery. You can also enter the main gallery through doors on the north and south sides of the Hemicycle, or by an elevator.
The memorial covers 35,000 square feet (3,250 square meters) and is partly underground. The main gallery has 14 niches with displays about women in the U.S. armed forces. Eleven large glass tablets hang overhead, with quotes from women veterans. Twelve computer terminals let visitors search a database of names and pictures of women who served from the American Revolutionary War to the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. Search results appear on three large screens.
Beyond the main gallery is the Hall of Honor. This room has a block of marble from the same quarry as the Tomb of the Unknowns. It features displays honoring women who were prisoners of war, died in service, or earned high awards. Further back is a 196-seat theater. Here, visitors can watch films about women's roles in the military. This auditorium is also used for talks. Each seat has a small plaque honoring a servicewoman. There is also a gift shop, a conference room, and offices.
In October 2020, a bronze statue called "The Pledge" was placed in the memorial's lobby. It honors all women of the U.S. military.
After Construction: Memorial Finances
General Vaught later said that the memorial foundation was surprised by how hard it was to raise money for the memorial's construction and ongoing costs.
By September 1997, the foundation still needed $12 million to finish the memorial and pay for its operation. This included a $2.5 million shortfall in construction funds. Officials said that a lack of interest from defense companies, difficulty reaching women veterans, and general indifference to women's contributions made fundraising hard.
To help pay off debt, the memorial relied on gift shop sales and other income. Arlington National Cemetery gets many visitors, but fewer visited the memorial than expected. By July 1998, annual income from gift shop sales was about $5 million. The memorial also started charging for access to its database and for using its event spaces.
In January 1998, the memorial still owed about $2 million for construction. The main builder, Clark Construction, paid its subcontractors even though it hadn't been paid by the memorial foundation. They trusted they would be paid eventually. General Vaught said the financial situation was not serious. However, fundraising experts noted that many donors preferred not to give to "women's projects."
By 2010, the memorial's finances were still unstable. It almost closed in 2009 due to low revenue. Congress provided a $1.6 million grant to keep it open, and a fundraising drive raised $250,000. Many World War II women veterans, who might have donated, had passed away or had limited incomes. A drop in gift shop sales after the September 11 attacks and the Great Recession also hurt finances.
On October 17, 2012, the memorial celebrated its 15th anniversary. Raising the $3 million needed for its yearly operations was still a challenge. In November 2016, the memorial announced that its financial situation was so bad it might have to close. An online fundraiser started in 2016 raised only $110,000 by October 2017, far short of its $1.5 million goal.
Images for kids
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The pylon accidentally toppled during construction of the memorial.
