tv. a ceremony commemorating the reopening of the women's museum in fort lee, virginia. visitors their finest stories of women who have served their country since the revolutionary war, an extensive collection of archives and artifacts, and interactive exhibits. featured speakers include u.s. army officers. this is 45 minutes. ♪ [gunshots]

[band playing star-spangled banner]

♪ please join me for the invocation. dear lord, thank you for the hard work that has gone into making this an outstanding ceremony. for allowing us to

celebrate the reopening of the u.s. army women's museum. and the immeasurable impact our female soldiers have made on the great army. byp us to rightly honor them blessing this ceremony with professionalism, joy and heartfelt gratitude. andked this, for your dear -- dear namesake, amen. >> ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. they serve as the director of the united states army since 2010. responsible for the preservation, conservation and accountability of over 7000 artifacts, her teen makes it possible for over 50,000 visitors a year to experience the history and contribution made by women to the u.s. army. over four years, she has spearheaded the project with a vision to model women service in 17 75 to thefrom

present. the director of the women's museum. [applause] >> good afternoon, thank you for being here. i would like to say a special welcome and thank you to all of our visitors, family and friends, and to the general's and lieutenant general for officiating. celebrating a physical expansion of the museum and a complete redesign. we felt as a staff that the expansion was necessary. to ensure that the museum could remain current and relevant. remarked over the years that they exhibits need to be updated and in order to push this and to the history that they interpret had to be better balance. out how tonot figure put 240 plus years of history

into a small gallery of 5000 square feet. a little over four years ago we started discussing a redesign. originaled out the plan from 1999, we discovered some of predecessor, who are with us today, at already recognize that there would be a need to expand. here we are, almost 20 years later, fulfilling their vision. it took many organizations to make all of this happened. with assistance from fort lee's department of public force master planner and architect, the studies were developed. the funding was secured from the center of military history. building was contracted and the groundbreaking ceremony took place in february of 20 17. so, everything started moving very quickly from that point on. the site manager and a contracting officer cap that project going with the assistance of the many

activities and entities working together. now thatzing to think that was completed, that expansion one year ago. of course that is only half of it because now you have to put something in it. simultaneously, last year they secured the funding for the gallery design. meetingcted our first in october of 2017, just a little over one year ago with steve feldman of steve feldman design inc.. the principal on the project. the programs and exhibit teams guided the museum staff through the entire thing. year,e are, just over a unveiling an all-new, ultra modern set of galleries that provide visitors with interesting, relevant and interactive exhibits. nothing, not everything about the project went completely smoothly. we cannoto doubt that

have accomplished what we did in such a short time without the tremendous effort of many people in the organization. i would like to share one story with you. tobegan with a request identify one large interesting artifact that could draw people into the museum from the four-year. after thinking about it, i decided why not? iwanted a missile system, thought it was pretty neat. this would help introduce the visitor to the fact that army women were working in some kind of armed field in the 1980's and 1990's. i searched high and low. but id the launcher cannot manage to find enough missiles. so, i went to plan b. i decided to put my sights on a helicopter. this too, i figured, would be a fitting artifacts. to share had a chest the preliminary design plan with major general vote, who was the

quartermaster general at the time. i explained that i really needed a helicopter, but i don't much about them and i was not sure which modeled it should read. i really needed one that could fit through the new doors. [laughter] major general fogg said, why lh 50 a, after all, they have been turned somewhat into attack helicopters for today. and women are flying them. that sounded really good to me. thank you, sir. but all i had to do was find one. there were a lot of people working on my behalf and providing guidance. the museum director, the aviation museum or, and we found one at fort pull crazy him and they were willing to transfer it to us. we just had to figure out how to move it from the air filled, have it painted, moving here to fort lee and bring it into the museum. of course it arrived one very

rainy, late afternoon. the quartermaster museum and the ordinance training support provided support with operators to offload it. however, one small obstacles to between the helicopter becoming inside or an outdoor exhibit. i had failed to take into account the height of the rotor map. well, i found in ordinance officer and technical manual. it cannot be that hard. i cannot mean that i personally was going to do this, although it crossed my mind. around, it was recommended i talked to the fourth the logistics lieutenant director. he put me in touch with members of the army field here at fort lee. would takeght it only one hour or so to lower the mass and only 30 minutes to move

it into the museum, raise the mass again and add the rotors. needless to say, it did not quite work out that way. , a lot a half days later of hard work, elbow grease any detail of soldiers from the 23rd brigade, strong as ever, we were finally able to get it through the doors. i use the story to illustrate every step of the gallery expansion and redesign. it took a collective effort and cooperation of many, many people to bring our vision to life. with the help of the women's museum association, the army women's foundation, we were able to add the final touches. i want all the people present today, especially past museum staffers who are here in the audience to know how important their contributions and hard work have been to making this day a reality. i can think you all from the bottom of my heart.

i would also like to think the thetermaster -- thank quartermaster school, and the original command for putting together all of the support for today ceremony. it is months of preparation. i want to extend a special thanks to major kimberly page, out there somewhere, the project is the, whose real job to 62nd quartermaster but tying executive officer. i am sure they will be glad to have her back after this. ci'sof the officers and nci that you see standing around you o's that you see standing around made all of this possible. please join us in a round of applause. [applause] >> now it is my pleasure to introduce major general commander fogg. deputyositions include

chief of staff for operations. man.nited states material the 51st quartermaster general. the commanding general expeditionary and officer of the commanding general united states army material command. please welcome major general fogg. [applause] as you can tell, she has persistence. that has absolutely been has move as she forward with this effort. i want to talk about that in a second. i would like to welcome again the trade-off commanding general, general counseling and mrs. townsend, sir, thank you we are honored to have you. lieutenant general, welcome home. we have had you hear quite a bit. thank you ma'am, that's right, i

expected that. so many other distinguished guests that i know has been established. i look in the audience and i don't want to name names but i would mess it up. i will continue. i will take this up front. as a career which is sticks officer, i have led and been led by great women in ceo's, warrant officers and officers. i stand here in great part because of outstanding leaders like brigadier general retired pritchett. i could go on. and on. they are great examples, their leadership, being a role model, their support. i have been inspired and honored to be in combat and lead

outstanding female soldiers and pin purple hearts in combat action badges on them. i just wanted to start with that and tell you that i have been molded and inspired by women in uniform. as i said, it was a fitting way to begin and i know that is the experience of many of you as i look around the audience. the next piece is to talk about the weather. i think i will leave that alone because we don't want to mess with the weather right now. this is a bright and happy occasion no matter what the weather is. for youprivilege for me to be apart of. the grand reopening of the united states army women's museum. what a wonderful showing and thank you all for being here. the quartermaster school was mentioned. bands, thet job the chaplain, their reenactors and volunteers that we have today.

the many associations and foundations that have provided time and dollars. thank you all for making today special. and i want to give a special thank you to the doctor and her staff, ron, alley, and many others, too many to name, what an amazing effort to make this possible. thank you francois. for it lee is blessed to have you, your talent and your draw. you and your team have done incredible things here, you have educated and informed this community for many years. this remodeling effort is just the latest wonderful thing that they have done. let me just talk about the fact that 50,000 visitors annually have been coming to the women's museum. 10,000 plus soldiers and their families. on top of that, five to 7000 local schools and buses show appeared at the women's easy him. her leadership and what her

staff does is incredible. they establish a premier education and resource center right here at fort lee. they have developed k through 12 education programs to include programs for special needs children. regional colleges and universities like james madison and virginia state university. and the successful intern program as i look over here to the right and the alley. the museum, what you need to know about this woman's museum that the army has, it is one-of-a-kind. no other service has this. no other military in the world has this. we should be proud in our united and here at fort lee. today we are privileged to have direct and personal connection to our history and we had an event earlier today.

severally recognize veterans and families of veterans who contributed to our new updated place. really a living history represented. andcame here today contributed her grandmother's world war i uniform. their services honored in our museum. also missed julie, who was a private when she was one of the first two women to graduate jump school. her air me -- airmen helmet is on display. there we go, yes. and i will in that very appropriately with airborne. stephen, jeremy, julie and andy are here. this family of world war i nurse, ruth amblin whose uniform is on display in the gallery.

thank you. mr. jerry matthews and patricia, andfamily of sergeant tilson whose world war ii artwork is on display in a special gallery. ms. pat donated her mom's world war ii uniform for the casting of one of the five figures at the front of the gallery. you will see that. the daughter of colonel mary ,ouisa milligan resin used in the fifth director of the women's army corps is here today. ms. lily give vince. thank you for being here and all you do to support us. [applause] last, but certainly not least, command sergeant major retired helen johnston. she is in attendance and featured in the museum retiring the wi-fi during the disestablishment. [applause] >> she is absolutely very

popular. they someone tell me that had you when they were in basic training and you are pretty tough. [laughter] >> if i could just have all of those individuals that i just mentioned stand up, we would appreciate giving you all a round of applause. [applause] >> i know there are others that we do have time to mention. i really appreciate your legacy and being trailblazers. in 2001, your history and others have been on display here at the army women's museum here at fort lee. having a here was not a random choice. it certainly has served as a home of the women's army corps, training center school from 1948 to 1954, with over 30,000 women

, training here and contribute in to our war efforts in europe, japan and korea. in 1955 the training center relocated for fort mcclellan, alabama. the first women's museum came to life there. when the army closed fort mcclellan, it was decided that museum would come back to fort lee. we were the pick and we are happy and proud about that. over 17 years now, this easy him has been here and it has of women the history serving our nation from 1775 to the present day. with a grand reopening today, our army has a state-of-the-art facility to exhibit the history of our women in uniform and import in history, one that has shaped and influenced our country for the better and we cannot be more excited and

happy. with that, i think it is absolutely appropriate that i have the honor to introduce lieutenant general as the next beaker. she is a shining example of a soldier and a leader. she has several firsts in her army career. a true friend. a true friend of fort lee and army women's museum. she is a graduate of the university of alabama. ma'am, just for you, roll tide. [applause] tough. is she is the 51st quartermaster general and has served for 37 years in korea, and several times here at fort lee. a lot of places in between. ma'am, it is a pleasure to introduce you. thank you for your leadership. [applause]

>> well, good afternoon, everyone. how are you? going good? you guys are looking great from where i am standing here. fog, majored general mrs. fog, command sergeant major and mrs. perry and to all of our distinguished beens who have commemorated earlier today, i cannot begin to tell you what a delight it is for me to be here this afternoon. to be here and to look out among this audience and see so many great friends. i hope i can get a lot of hugs in and perhaps some photos as well. exciting milestone in the history of the united states army. i am humbled, grateful and excited all at the same time to

be a part of this momentous armyion, commemorating the women's museum gallery reopening. a sincere thank you to dr. parnell and to major general fog for extending this invitation for me to come. in my gratitude, i too want to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here to share a part of our army's history and heritage. as we celebrate and honor women of the army who have contributed so much in defense of our nation. ,ake no mistake, each of you man or woman, in your own way, has played and will continually play in integral role in the continued preservation of the beautiful facility we will visit shortly. from the exterior gardens to east rooms and gallery designs inside.

it is more than just a brick-and-mortar, isn't it? it is about the thousands, and i did or say tens and hundreds of thousands of lives that will be positively changed the courageous women who stories told will enrich and the lives of those who read here and come to know them. it will be inspired by senior noncommissioned officers and featured in this gallery. warrant officer will be encouraged by the stories of phenomenal flies. second lieutenant will asolutely be motivated they've learned about ordinary people who accomplish the extra nor -- the extraordinary and know that they too can make a positive and lasting difference. storiesin sharing the

of army women is the true legacy that we celebrate today. it is a gift that will inspire the millennials and post millennials and future generations to come. in the words of the former chief of staff of our army, service is indeed in the heart. home and itmy army has been a few days since i was here is a brand-new second lieutenant. -- class 81-9,e i could still remember it like it is yesterday. my, how the time flies. at the time of my commissioning, army officersof were women. today, almost 18% are women officers. yes, give that a hand. [applause] good work. as we are sited next to the

quartermaster museum, the army women museum, then and now, has represented a cornerstone and a source of pride and inspiration throughout my career. why from coming to know first of the phenomenal men and women who wear, and have worn the cloth of this nation in service to the red, the white and blue. today, we may have a distinguished veterans here. his name was retired lieutenant colonel moore in. he is 101 years old. we are -- he is 100 one years young. we wanted him to get here but perhaps he could not get here. he served six years on active duty. his connection to the army was that his twin sister was an army 22 years.she served it is women such as lorraine

we speakonor today as to the army nurses corps at the marine museum gallery. it would not be complete without the contribution of those who tell the story of days army. to that end, we are mighty grateful for the many who are to be did their time, their talent and resources to the gallery. but when you have a chance to findhe gallery, you will kathy, whose uniform from west point is on display. she along with my pentagon teammate, shelley, were members of the first coed west point asked that graduated in 1980. they helped with the script of the eod talent exhibit. whosell find leeann, amy, artifacts are displayed in

exhibit through various operations in the 1990. inclusive of desert shield and desert storm. chief warrant officer, a former teammate and friend who played a key role in the voices project display. each of these women warriors and so many others have helped make the museum a rich display of our history. for the many soldiers who were continually playing here, and the many visitors who will calm and learn of the courageous women who are a part of our army's history and heritage. when you visit this museum gallery, you will learn about brigadier general anna, chief of the army nurse corps, who became the first woman in u.s. armed forces to wear at the star of a general officer in 1970.

you'll learn about elizabeth, director of the women's army corps. kennedy serveeral to inspire others to live their dream as she became the army's first women -- woman to be promoted to lieutenant general in 1997. , it has past 37 years truly been my honor and privilege to serve alongside from the world's most amazed -- some of the world's most amazing women. leaders who have illuminated pads and others who have pathsed -- illuminated and stories they have followed, who stories are told here. the first woman for start of any service. , theenant general patty first army woman serving general . and lieutenant general kathy, who continually helped others to

reach their dreams. for sure, i am a better soldier and later having known and served with each of them, and i improve family humble and grateful for their tutelage. my friend and teammate, lieutenant general laura j richardson, just last month was appointed as acting commanding general of the army command. in this capacity she leads the largest command in the army. yes, give her a hand. [applause] >> i want to thank a moment to acknowledge the many men who have coached, taught, trained, encouraged and inspired our women warriors to be all that they can be, and then some. how about a round of applause for the men who have supported us along the way.

men, and let's recognize you. all of our men, stand up and thank you. go ahead bill more. [applause] we thank you. it takes 18, doesn't it? -- it takes a team, doesn't it? in addition to the good lord above, i would not be standing here without the inspiration of my debt, a retired army first sergeant of 21 years. and my mother. my mom did not wear a uniform yet, she served alongside a soldier, my dad. she gave me the strength to be a soldier. reopened museum gallery honors the service of thousands who collectively enable the readiness of our women warriors each and every single day. let's give our spouses a round of applause. thank you, spouses.

[applause] in this new gallery, we honor the service of governmental and nongovernmental civilians who are integral to the fulfillment of our multi-mission around the globe. the army women cesium captures moments in history of the incredible leadership, bravery, commitment, and expertise of women throughout the history of our army. former army chief of staff general sullivan said, and i quote, the defense of our nation is a shared responsibility. women have served the defense of this land for years before our united states was born. they have contributed their and courage to this endeavor for more than two centuries with an astounding record of achievement that

stretches from lexington and concord, to the persian gulf and beyond. for more than 243 years women have influence the course of our nationd our peace, our and our army. a sincere thank you to the extraordinary men and women who currently serve and have served this nation in and out of the -- in and out of uniform. privileged daily i have served alongside you. i thought i would be introducing our next speaker, but i told -- but i am told someone else will do that. but general towson, it is a privilege to have you here. thank you all and may god bless you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, general steve king towson is here with

celebrate the grand reopening of the army women cesium. general tauzin is a native of georgia. prior to assuming the duties of the trade-off commander, he commanded the 18th airborne in north carolina. join me in welcoming general towson to the podium. [applause] good afternoon. come on, good afternoon. audience: good afternoon. >> thank you for being mercifully brief with the introduction. , as of now iaware am the fourth speaker and i am the only thing standing between us cutting that ribbon and getting on with the tour.

i promise to be brief. i do want to recognize all of our role players. he has some historical role players and we have a bunch of shoulders out front in period uniforms from the days of our revolution up to modern times. you have to go look at them and talk to them. i think they can tell you a little bit about the period women soldier they are representing. you have to go and take photographs with a female soldier in the seafoam green uniform. i have to get a picture with her. i don't know who came up with that, but i hope that did not last that long. [laughter] >> she is waving. you cannot see her, there is a cannon in the way. --nk you general being them bingham. an example of the progress star army has made.

opportunities for our women soldiers and by putting the best person in the job regardless of gender. time, thank you for recognizing the male soldiers here. womend like to have all in uniform and all women veterans to please stand right now. [applause] >> thank you, all. this reopening today is a celebration, it is a celebration of america's history. it is a celebration of our is as history, yet it celebration of history of women in america's army. young women who have answer the country ining our

the call to service. women soldiers and leaders who live by our army values, who live by our or your east coast. warriors that give themselves -- get themselves physically and mentally prepared to answer the call of duty anywhere, anytime. exampleels who lead by and led from the front, even in battle. soldiers like sergeant leanne 617 militaryhe police company, who received the silver star for her action and gunfight in baghdad when her convoy came under attack. after receiving our nation's third higher -- third-highest award for valor, we said, it has nothing to do with being a female, it is about the duties i perform that day as a soldier. ask of her wisdom and

exceptional service to our nation by women are nothing new. facts throughout our history have not gotten the proper recognition they were due. an importants reminder of an important role that women have played in our army since its very inception. that theypanding role will play in the years ahead. our army is making some long overdue progress, following on the trail blazed by leaders like sergeant hester and general gham, and othern women soldiers i had stand. we are making progress. last year the army open all in french street -- all infantry and army careers to women. [applause] today, every career field in the united states army is an

open opportunity for women. we developed a physical fitness test, first a screening test for soldiers came in, it it is gender and age neutral. we use it to determine any individuals ability to perform the physical demands of being a soldier. they have graduated hundreds of women into our combat arms. today, there are more than 200 infantry soldiers. over 50 officers and 150 enlisted. [applause] right beside them, there are more than 250 armored and calvary soldiers, female soldiers. 100 officers and 150 enlisted. these numbers will continue to grow. to integrate female soldiers into our combat arms and every job in our army. this program started out in a

few divisions in our army and it has now expanded to five. it will be in every division in our army. if that is not enough to convince you, 19 female soldiers have graduated from u.s. army ranger school. [applause] >> that course is recognized across our armed forces and around the world as one of the toughest leader courses in anybody's army. i think that says a lot. not so long ago, that was the headline making a dent. most of you probably did not know that now 19 female soldiers do not want a spotlight, they just want a chance to go and train. i see that as great progress. to these previously closed doors, they are now thrown open. we will see more women because of that rise to higher levels of

responsibility and leadership in our army. general being him mentioned general richardson. i would say general being a missed serving at one of the highest levels. lieutenant general richardson. i think you will see more of this in the future. it is great to see somebody women soldiers and veterans in attendance today. thank you for your leadership, for your service to our country. models andbeing role trailblazers. this museum is a celebration of our army, andof our nation. i know that many of you would have never have dreamed how far we have come today. there is stillow work to be done. let's go cut this ribbon and start that work. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, we will now move to the ribbon cutting

area. the ribbon-cutting is a public ceremony to celebrate the completion and opening of a venue, dating back to 1898. today we celebrate the army women's museum reaching a new milestone in its long and celebrate a contribution to public history. participating in this symbolic event by the official party, command sergeant major perry. andadier general mcbride the fort master school, don. command sergeant. rowley, the executive director. carl baker, who is the director of the museum. the chief of museum and historical property and trade arts. the museum specialist and collection manager.

these individuals represent the organization that contributed and enabled us to be here today to celebrate the grand reopening of the gallery. [applause] >> at the conclusion of today's ceremony we kindly ask everyone to allow a few minutes for the official party and distinguished guest to begin walking through the museum. while waiting, we invite you to visit with the eight living history exhibits on your left and right. they are reenactments that represent history from the american revolution, the war of 1812, the american civil war, world war i, world war ii, vietnam, desert storm and the modern era.

there is the new outdoor exhibit titled women in war, in the reflection garden. refreshments will be served near the band. gentlemen, if you would, please rise and join us in singing be army song. you will find the words on the back of your program. ♪ >> first to fight for the right,

and to build the nation's might, and the army goes rolling along out of all we have done, fighting tilde battles won and the army goes rolling along heyn it's hi, hi, the armies on its way count the cadence loud and strong go, you will always know that the army goes rolling along ♪ [applause] ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's ceremony. we ask that you please be patient as we move groups through the museum and give everyone the opportunity to see the new gallery. u.s. army women's museum thanks you for your attendance today. at this time we invite the official party and distinguished guests to join us in front of

the museum for tours through the exhibit. thank you. >> you're watching american history tv, only on c-span3. the united nations designated 1975 as international women's year. since then, international women's day is celebrated march 8. ," a, on "reel america conversation on women's rights with representatives. the national commission on the observance of international women's year sponsored the rossview, which went the -- wendy ross conducted. >>