Celebrating the Sacrifices of America's Servicewomen
AARP Jacksonville celebrated and honored the sacrifices of America's servicewomen in our biggest event of the year — "A Tribute to America's Servicewomen." This day-long event brought both active duty and veterans together in the same room for presentations and activities all about how they can live the happiest, safest, and healthiest life possible.
"Servicewomen are often an overlooked part of our military," explains Jill Auld, Associate State Director of Outreach and Engagement at AARP Jacksonville. "They are the backbone of this country, and they have made so many sacrifices. I always want to make sure that we remember that."
This event was developed by servicewomen, for servicewomen. AARP Jacksonville's key partners for this event not only included a core planning committee of veteran volunteers, but also the Military Women's Memorial, and PBS' Finding Your Roots program.
"Veteran and active duty servicewomen don't meet in the same room enough," explains AARP Jacksonville volunteer and retired Navy veteran Tina Caston. "Coming together like this was an incredible opportunity — and a first for many of us."
One of the key highlights of the event was the display of "Color of Freedom," the traveling Military Women's Memorial. The exhibit celebrates the diversity of women who have served our country from the Civil War to modern day and will remain on display at Jacksonville's Main Public Library through mid-October.
Additionally, AARP Jacksonville organized multiple presentations on key topics like caregiving, fraud, veteran benefits, and brain health, culminating in a Mindful Meditation session with local nonprofit Yoga 4 Change and PBS' Finding Your Roots panel featuring servicewomen sharing their unique experiences. The event ended on the USS Orleck, Jacksonville's Naval Museum, for a mocktail hour and after-party.
The sense of community and sisterhood in the space was palpable, as women in the military community had the rare opportunity to gather and celebrate their own achievements. To quote the Military Women's Memorial, "Without HERstory, there is no history."
Watch the video below to see the event in action, and visit aarp.org/veterans for a complete guide to all of our resources for veterans.
