In honor of Veterans Day (celebrated each year on Nov. 11), the nonprofit organization Foundation for Women Warriors is set to host a screening of the powerful documentary The Hello Girls on Nov. 6, 2024. This screening aims to shed light on the extraordinary stories of women who broke barriers and paved the way for women’s role in the military.
The Hello Girls tells the inspiring tale of 223 women who answered President Woodrow Wilson’s call to serve their country during World War I. These women, known as the “Hello Girls,” were sent to France by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and despite facing significant challenges and prejudices, they served as switchboard operators, telephone repair technicians and translators, playing a crucial role in the war effort.
WWI was a notable milestone as it was the first time women, who did not yet have the right to vote, were openly allowed to serve in the U.S. military. The Hello Girls’ recruitment by the Signal Corps represented a departure from traditional gender roles and was a landmark in the fight for women’s equality. Facing discrimination and skepticism from their male counterparts, the Hello Girls’ determination, resilience and expertise shattered stereotypes, opening doors for future generations of women.
Their contributions extended far beyond their wartime service. Many of them continued to advocate for women’s rights and equality long after the war ended, fighting for 60 years to be recognized as veterans by the U.S. government and receive full benefits under the GI Bill of Rights and the Veterans Administration.
“We honor the Hello Girls not just for their bravery, but for how their fight for equality set a precedent for all women who serve,” said Jodie M. Grenier, a United States Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Foundation for Women Warriors. “Their decades-long battle for recognition as veterans highlights the resilience of women in service and reinforces why we must continue to advocate for women veterans today.”
Foundation for Women Warriors is a 104-year old nonprofit dedicated to serving women veterans and their children. Their programs enhance the personal and economic wellbeing of women veterans and their families by providing professional development, financial and childcare assistance, essential goods, and a community of support. By hosting this screening, they aim to honor the legacy of the Hello Girls, empower women veterans, and inspire a new generation of women leaders.
The Nov. 6 event will feature a screening of the documentary, followed by a panel discussion with experts on women’s history and feminism. Attendees will gain insights on the Hello Girls’ experiences and their enduring impact on society.
The Hello Girls documentary screening promises to be a powerful and inspiring evening that celebrates the achievements of the Hello Girls and the ongoing fight for women’s equality. Sign up for the free screening and panel discussion here.
The documentary is also available to stream on Prime and PBS.
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