Women Veterans Memorial Unveiled in Florida

A new memorial honoring women who served in wars throughout America’s history will be unveiled at Florida’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach — just in time for Veterans Day.

“Throughout our Country’s history, women have served proudly in every military conflict,” stated Carolyn Ketchel, the Okaloosa County commissioner. “While as a military community we are proud of all veterans, this memorial is unique in the nation, in that it seeks to specifically recognize women military heroes and their invaluable contributions, with life-size statues and stories of their significant contributions.”

Memorial Features

The Women Veterans Memorial will open to the public on Nov. 11 and will feature eight statues of women who served the United States from the Revolutionary War through the war in Afghanistan. The statues will sit along a walking trail in the 17.5-acre Veterans’ Park on Okaloosa Island.

When visitors first arrive at the memorial, they will be greeted by a dedication plaza, featuring a path encircling a U.S. flag, a POW-MIA flag, a Florida flag, and county flags.

Honoring Individual Contributions

Visitors will then see the statue of Margaret Corbin, who served in the Revolutionary War. Born in 1751, she accompanied her farmer husband when he joined the Continental Army. During an attack at Fort Washington in 1776, Corbin’s skill and precision with a cannon were noticed, leading to her being wounded in the conflict. In recognition of her valor, Congress granted her a lifelong pension in 1779.

Continuing along the trail, visitors will encounter seven other life-size bronze statues, including Cathay Williams, the only documented African American woman who served as a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, and Naseema, who left Afghanistan as a teenager to pursue education and later served as an Aircrew Linguist in the U.S. military.

Exploring the Florida Panhandle

After visiting the memorial, travelers can further explore the attractions of the Florida Panhandle, known for its serene Gulf waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts. Visitors to the Destin area can partake in activities such as fishing, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for iBestTravel. When she’s not in New York City, she enjoys beach time or exploring new destinations, aiming to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.