FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Coronado Museum Exhibit
Contact: Joe Ditler
619.435.7242

"PROUDLY SHE SERVES"
Women and the Military

CORONADO -- American history shares but a hint of women on the battlefield and their supportive roles in time of war. Yet, since the Revolutionary War, there have been "Molly Pitchers" (who carried water on to the battlefield), women who fought and died alongside their husbands, and even women who engaged in espionage during times of national or world conflict.

Indeed, women have always served in support of the armed forces and their participation has steadily increased in numbers and types of jobs. Whether in disguise, on ships, in the air or on the front lines, as nurses, as civilian volunteers, industry workers, or in administrative positions, women have proudly served their country. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Too few of these heroes were recorded by history.

The Coronado Museum of History & Art featured an exhibit entitled "Proudly She Serves: Women and the Military." The exhibit captured narratives of women from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the Gulf conflicts. The exhibition ran from August through October, 2006.

Assisting in the research of "Proudly She Serves" were the Veteran's Museum & Memorial Center, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Many of the women featured in the exhibition are from the San Diego area.

The exhibit captured Captain Nancy Owen's story as Director of Nursing Services with the United Nations Protection Force in Croatia, as is that of Vivian Eddy, who flew solo to ferry military aircraft thousands of miles during WWII from the factories of southern California to airfields around the country.

Jacqueline Cochran, founder of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs), was also featured in the exhibit. Jackie holds more air speed records than any other woman.

The exhibit also features Sybil Stockdale, who campaigned tirelessly until her husband was released from a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. Through letters and photographs to her husband, Navy Commander James Stockdale, she was able to transmit covert communications in and out of the Hanoi Hilton.

The exhibit was made up of photographic representations and text panels, which tell the stories of these fascinating women. Uniforms, flags, and personal memorabilia accentuate "Proudly She Serves," and visitors cannot help but be inspired by the stories of these average women caught up in world-shaping events.

"Proudly She Serves" was made possible through generous funding from the Hervey Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation. The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Alma J. Upson.

The Coronado Museum of History & Art is located at 1100 Orange Avenue, in downtown Coronado. The museum also houses the Coronado Visitor Center and is open 9-5 on weekdays and 10-5 on weekends. Admission is a suggested donation. The galleries also feature the history of Coronado and the history of the Hotel del Coronado.

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