Honoring Women Veterans with Quilts of Valor at Recognition Day Event
Guest Contributor
On June 12, the Alameda Naval Air Museum hosted the second annual Women’s Veteran Recognition Day, an event that blended honor, remembrance, and community. With military history adorning the walls and voices raised in tribute, the gathering paid homage to the often-overlooked contributions of women in the armed forces. The event coincided with the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, a landmark legislation that allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military outside wartime. Today, June 12 is recognized in 12 states as Women’s Veterans Day, with California officially joining in 2015. This context set a meaningful backdrop for a ceremony that underscored the importance of recognizing women’s military service, both past and present.
One of the most poignant moments of the day was the presentation of Quilts of Valor to two distinguished women: Commander Trisha Kelly and Army veteran Liz Rush. These handmade quilts, created by sisters Nancy and Judy Hem and presented by Michelle McCumber, symbolize gratitude for the service and sacrifice of military personnel touched by war. As described on the foundation’s website, a Quilt of Valor is more than a blanket—it is a tangible expression of appreciation and healing. “This quilt is such an honor,” said Commander Kelly, who currently leads the Naval Reserve Center in Alameda. “We make such a sacrifice by being in the military, so to be honored with this quilt is just so special and the organization is such a good cause.”
The ceremony opened with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Peace Creel, a student from Oakland Military Institute. As attendees looked around the museum’s bird’s nest space, they were surrounded by images and stories of women who have served throughout history. From World War II to the Vietnam War and beyond, these stories conveyed a powerful message: women have always been part of the military, even if their contributions were not always formally acknowledged.
Lisa Brunner, an Air Force veteran and member of the Veterans Affairs Commission, emphasized this point during the event. “The only women who were recognized as part of the regular military were nurses,” she explained. “So events like these are making people aware that women have always been there.” This theme of visibility and recognition ran throughout the day, especially for veterans like Bonnie Bouey, a Navy Nurse Corps lieutenant during the Vietnam War. Bouey reflected on the lack of acknowledgment she and her peers received upon returning from service. “Nobody would recognize us for anything we did,” she said. “So having this recognition means a lot to me because nobody ever said ‘thank you.’ We have a certain sisterhood that is just indescribable. It’s a community.”
That sense of community was evident not only among the honorees but also among the attendees and organizations present. Vietnam War veteran John Reissenweber represented PGA Hope, a nonprofit that provides seven weeks of free golf lessons to veterans. The program, which recently hosted a large tournament at Corica Park, is designed to help veterans socialize and build new skills in a supportive environment. “We provide all the equipment and have programs taught by women, with no men around,” Reissenweber noted. “A lot of women veterans have sexual trauma, and this program is made to essentially deal with that problem.” I found this detail striking—it highlights how tailored support systems can make a meaningful difference in veterans’ lives.
The day also included a posthumous tribute to Marilyn York, a member of the Women’s Reserve of the U.S. Navy during World War II and co-founder of the Alameda Naval Air Museum. She was honored with this year’s Community Award, a recognition that was followed by a speech from Alameda County District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam. York’s legacy, like that of so many women who served, helped lay the foundation for future generations of female service members.
The event concluded with a powerful visual—a group photo of all female veterans and active-duty Commander Kelly gathered on stage. United in experience and purpose, the women embraced, a moment that encapsulated the spirit of the day. “Events like this are important because you hear stories about the women who have come before,” Kelly said. “They had to face so much adversity for me to be able to serve as an equal, they paved the way for all of us and future generations.”
The second annual Women’s Veteran Recognition Day served not only as a ceremony of gratitude but also as a reminder of the evolving role of women in the military. With women now recognized as the fastest growing segment of the veteran population, events like this are vital in fostering awareness, appreciation, and inclusion. Whether through a Quilt of Valor, a shared story, or a moment of reflection, the day honored the enduring contributions of women who have served—and continue to serve—with resilience and dedication.
