Women in Military Service Monument Becomes a Reality

After seven years of planning, fundraising and design, the Women in Military Service Monument has been unveiled at the NH State Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen. In honor of the unveiling, Governor Kelly Ayotte proclaimed June 12th Women in Military Service Day. The major funder and longtime advocates for this memorial were members of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) of NH along with members of the Elks and American Legions. The driving force completing the monument was GFWC-NH Sheila Casey, USN, along with Retired General Gretchen Dunkleberger, USAF/NHANG, Brenda Blonigen, NHANG, Pam Cooper, NHVCA, Susan Cuddy, USN, Marie Danielson, USMC/USSF, Kelly Dobens, USA, Laurie Farris, USAF/NHANG, Martha Gladu, USAF/NHANG, Nancy Greenberg, GFWC-NH, Ashley LaValley, USAF/NHANG, Jessica Lee, NHANG, Mary Licking, USAR, Ann Mason, USCG, Natali Mills, NHANG, Denise Rock O'Hara, USCG, Denise Raisanen, GFWC-NH, and Dolores Vanblarcom, GFWC-NH. Deb Beattie created the conceptual design for the monument which was made by P.G. Peck and Company and Merrick Design Medallions.

The monument celebrates the "courage, sacrifice and contributions of NH women in the military." It is situated along the walkway on the side nearest the Administration Building.