PEOPLE : Today’s Forgotten Soldier? A Woman

There are plenty of statues of soldiers in Washington--soldiers shooting, saluting, riding horses.

But don’t look for any women. Judging from monuments around the capital, women haven’t done much soldiering.

Not so, says Brig. Gen. Myrna Williamson, who retired in 1989 as the highest-ranking woman in the Army after 28 years of service. “Women’s military history dates back as far as our country does. It’s just nobody seems to know about it,” she says.

“Even today, one of our most important battles is the battle for recognition,” says Brig. Gen. Connie Slewitzke, who retired in 1987 as chief of the Army Nurse Corps. “Until Desert Storm, military women seemed invisible.”

The generals have been campaigning for more than two years to raise $15 million for a monument to women veterans at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery. By calling (800) I-SALUTE, supporters receive a place in the nation’s first registry documenting women’s service.

The suggested donation is $25, but larger contributions are welcome, and much needed, as the nonprofit memorial foundation enters its final campaign.

Support from corporate America has been modest. So far, less than $5 million has been raised, the generals say. And while Congress authorized the memorial, it ruled out any use of federal funds.

So, who really appreciates the fighting women of America? Well, Kuwait recently made a gift of $865,000.

And Saudia Arabia matched it.