March is often painted green. Storefronts, parades and calendars quickly become focused on St. Patrick’s Day. While celebrating heritage is important, March carries a much deeper meaning, especially for Veterans and their families. It is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the countless contributions women have made to our nation’s history, including military service. March is also filled with significant military observances that often receive far less attention, honoring not only service members, but those who served alongside them in unique and powerful ways.
Women have been part of America’s military story since the very beginning. From the Revolutionary War to today’s all-volunteer force, women have served as nurses, pilots, mechanics, intelligence officers, medics, and combat leaders. Their service was not always officially recognized, and for many years, their sacrifices were overlooked. Yet when the nation called, women stepped forward, often quietly, always courageously.
On March 13, we observe K-9 Veterans Day, recognizing the military working dogs who have served beside our armed forces. These dogs have detected explosives, tracked enemies, guarded installations, and saved countless lives in combat zones. What is sometimes forgotten is the bond between the K-9 and their handler. Many of those handlers were women, entrusted with training, caring for, and deploying with their canine partners. The relationship between handler and dog is built on trust, discipline and loyalty. K-9 Veterans Day reminds us that service and sacrifice come in many forms and sometimes on four legs.
March 15 marks the birthday of the American Legion, founded in 1919 by World War I Veterans. Since its beginning, women have played a vital role in the Legion’s mission of supporting Veterans, families, and communities. Today, women serve as Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and leaders at every level. Their efforts in youth programs, Veteran advocacy, and community service often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is felt nationwide.
Another important observance arrives on March 21st: Rosie the Riveter Day. During World War II, as millions of men deployed overseas, women stepped into factory jobs that had never before been open to them. They built ships, aircraft, and tanks, ensuring the United States could sustain the war effort. Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of resilience and determination, representing millions of women who kept the country running. Their contribution didn’t just help win a war; it reshaped the American workforce and paved the way for future generations of women in both industry and the military.
On March 25, we recognize National Medal of Honor Day, honoring those who displayed extraordinary bravery in combat. While there has only been one woman, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who has received the Medal of Honor, more than 9,000 female troops have earned Combat Action Badges during modern combat operations, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds more have earned valor awards, including the Silver Star, the Army’s third-highest valor award and recently the Purple Heart awarded to West Virginia’s Sarah Beckstrom. Women have shown incredible valor on battlefields, in medical units, and in dangerous environments across every conflict and continue to do so. Courage is also often found in acts that go unrecognized but are no less significant.
March concludes with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29th. Women served in Vietnam primarily as nurses, providing lifesaving care under relentless conditions. Many returned home to little recognition and carried the same physical and emotional wounds as their male counterparts. Their service, sacrifice, and resilience deserve acknowledgment and respect.
March gives us an opportunity to look beyond a single holiday and reflect on the broader history of service and sacrifice. Women’s History Month reminds us that women have always been part of the mission, whether in uniform, on or off the battlefield, on the home front, in factories, or standing beside military working dogs in combat zones.
As a community, we owe it to all who served, women and men alike, to remember these important days, tell their stories and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. This March, let’s look beyond the green and honor the true colors of service: courage, commitment and sacrifice.
Let us extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, to those wounded, that they may recover fully and to those that continue to fight for all of us, we pray for your safety and well-being. Thank you is never enough.
Terry Vance is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and the Veteran Partnership Coordinator for Valley HealthCare System. He can be reached at tevance@valleyhealthcare.org
