Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
Framed by a perfect blue sky and a symmetrical arc of neoclassical stone, the Military Women’s Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the more than three million women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., this photo captures the serene yet powerful facade of the nation’s only major national memorial honoring women’s contributions to the military across all branches and eras.
Designed by architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, the structure—officially called the Women In Military Service For America Memorial—was completed in 1997 and integrates seamlessly into the historic landscape. It was built into the existing Hemicycle, an imposing semicircular retaining wall originally intended as part of a ceremonial gateway but left unused since the 1930s. In this view, the monumental granite arch commands attention at the center, framed by clean lines, open walkways, and elegant balustrades.
The memorial is more than architectural splendor; it functions as a museum, archive, and gathering place. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions, personal stories, and artifacts that illuminate the complex and often underrepresented history of women in uniform—from Revolutionary War heroes disguised as men to contemporary combat commanders. At the heart of the interior is a computerized Register, cataloging the service records of women who have worn the nation’s uniform, preserving their legacies for future generations.
This photograph, taken in daylight under ideal conditions, emphasizes the clarity of the structure’s lines and the harmony between human design and natural surroundings. Leafless trees on the horizon echo the memorial's stark dignity, while the circular plaza in the foreground invites contemplation.
Located just across Memorial Avenue from the iconic Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center, the memorial is an essential stop for any visitor wishing to understand the full scope of American military service. It’s a space for quiet reflection, formal ceremonies, and education—especially on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and during events celebrating Women’s History Month.
The Military Women’s Memorial stands as a crucial corrective to the historical erasure of women’s service. It tells a broader American story—of duty, perseverance, and change—etched in stone and carried forward through storytelling. This image captures the physical and symbolic gateway to that narrative, as timeless and resilient as the women it honors.
Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
Framed by a perfect blue sky and a symmetrical arc of neoclassical stone, the Military Women’s Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the more than three million women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., this photo captures the serene yet powerful facade of the nation’s only major national memorial honoring women’s contributions to the military across all branches and eras.
Designed by architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, the structure—officially called the Women In Military Service For America Memorial—was completed in 1997 and integrates seamlessly into the historic landscape. It was built into the existing Hemicycle, an imposing semicircular retaining wall originally intended as part of a ceremonial gateway but left unused since the 1930s. In this view, the monumental granite arch commands attention at the center, framed by clean lines, open walkways, and elegant balustrades.
The memorial is more than architectural splendor; it functions as a museum, archive, and gathering place. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions, personal stories, and artifacts that illuminate the complex and often underrepresented history of women in uniform—from Revolutionary War heroes disguised as men to contemporary combat commanders. At the heart of the interior is a computerized Register, cataloging the service records of women who have worn the nation’s uniform, preserving their legacies for future generations.
This photograph, taken in daylight under ideal conditions, emphasizes the clarity of the structure’s lines and the harmony between human design and natural surroundings. Leafless trees on the horizon echo the memorial's stark dignity, while the circular plaza in the foreground invites contemplation.
Located just across Memorial Avenue from the iconic Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center, the memorial is an essential stop for any visitor wishing to understand the full scope of American military service. It’s a space for quiet reflection, formal ceremonies, and education—especially on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and during events celebrating Women’s History Month.
The Military Women’s Memorial stands as a crucial corrective to the historical erasure of women’s service. It tells a broader American story—of duty, perseverance, and change—etched in stone and carried forward through storytelling. This image captures the physical and symbolic gateway to that narrative, as timeless and resilient as the women it honors.