Our history of Women Veterans in Lake Ronkonkoma is vast. From World War I to present, we have a group that we respect and offer our pride as a community.
President Harry Truman (D-MO) signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948. The act officially granted women the right to serve actively and permanently in the U.S. Armed Forces. It wasn’t until 70 years later, on June 12, 2018, that the first Women Veterans Day was established and honored. Now recognized by 21 states and U.S. territories, Women Veterans Day honors the persistence and dedication of the women who defy convention, break barriers, and serve the mission. On June 12, 2023, the 75th anniversary of President Truman’s barrier-breaking signature, the White House served honor to the women whose courage and example no doubt guided his pen.
The date is not recognized nationally, but is recognized by a number of states, either through legislation or proclamation, and organizations. The stated goal of Women Veterans Day varies somewhat by state but can generally be acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they have faced. The date was first recognized when the New York State Assembly declared June 12, 2008, to be Women Veterans’ Recognition Day. National Recognition has remained strong with November 11 for all service Veterans, male or female. A by-state or by-area determination should be arrived at, of which the women can decide on the appropriate date and recognize their valor on the date that best serves them. This Veterans Day, November 11, is the 28th Annual Military Women’s Memorial Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony, one of the major observances in the nation’s capital, is free and open to the public and will include formal military honors, a keynote address, Veterans’ remarks, and wreath laying’s. Their program will be held inside the memorial, located on the Arlington Cemetery grounds at Memorial Avenue & Schley Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
The Military Tribute Banners of Lake Ronkonkoma proudly share 18 women Veterans, most you may know and love due to family, neighbors, or friends. They have served with honor from World War I to present. The Lake Ronkonkoma Veterans Association now presents the “Adopt A Woman Veteran”, the first project in the group of similar projects. We will ultimately honor our local KIA and Veterans alike. The official name is “Tell Her Story.” By participating in the “Adopt a Woman Veteran” project, the very important job of documenting and telling the story of a woman Veteran is in your care. She will be depending on you to ensure her legacy, the memorial is depending on you to capture and preserve her story, and the nation is depending on you to ensure history is complete, one story at a time.
How To Participate: To take the pledge to honor a woman Veteran by telling her story. Sign up at an in-person event with us for the Military Women’s Memorial OR Contact us at thelakeheritage@aol.com. Each participant will receive or supply the name of a woman who served, a copy of her available documents, and a link to a resource guide on how to tell and register her story in the National Register, including sample Register profiles to use as inspiration.
We need you as volunteers, we have many other specialty groups that served our country. Killed in Action individuals are already compiled in a book written by local author George Cristino; however, please advise us of any additional names of our Armed Forces so we may add them to the projects. We will include Gold Star, Pilots, French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, Indian Wars, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, all Gulf Wars, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others. Lake Ronkonkoma’s representation is a solid union. We are all proud of their accomplishments and we want to all share the respect they deserve. Other projects are ready for public participation and will ultimately honor our local KIA and Veterans alike.
Ask family members, friends, Veterans’ groups, schools, and organizations to give their support to this important project. Adopting A Woman Veteran can be an individual or group service project. It is a great way to get involved and give back by honoring our women Veterans and showing gratitude for their enormous sacrifice made for our nation and our freedom.
“They say you die twice: one time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.” -Bansky
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? as told by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty. KIA & died in service – Memorial Day. However, Veterans Day also honors all KIA and died in service. They are honored two times a year. Veterans Day thanks living Veterans one day per year.
Women in the Village Currently Honored with a Military Tribute Banner
Rosemary Cleary – Red Cross World War I
Lillian Devere – Navy World War I
Natalina E. DelMar – Coast Guard World War II
Barbara Greene – Army World War II
Dolores M. Henri Holzapfel – Army Air Force World War II
Dorothy M. Holzler – Army World War II
Susan T. Taylor – Navy Desert Storm-plus
Joanne E. Aiello – Marines Vietnam Era
Judith A. Lloyd – Air Force Vietnam Era
Linda Belden-Women’s Army Corp. – Vietnam Era
Barbara Beran Dupuis – Navy Vietnam Era
Tina Ann Stark – Air Force Vietnam Era
Sharon M. Potter – Air Force 1980-1984
Ilona Torraca – Air Force 1986-92
Rachel Fredericks – Marines 2008-2011
Gail Germano – Marines 1976-Iraq plus
Aimee L. Treutlein – Navy Global War on Terror-plus; present
Lauren Nicole Klos – Army to present
If you are aware of Lake Ronkonkoma Women who served in the Military, or any other action, please contact us ASAP. We have a time limit as to the monument construction.
