The City of Las Cruces and the United Military Women of the SouthWest (UMWSW) will officially dedicate the Women Veterans Monument at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Veterans Memorial Park,2651 Roadrunner Parkway, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Here is the information provided by the city of Las Cruces:
The historic monument, one of only a few such tributes honoring military women of the United States Armed Forces, features six life-size bronze statues representing Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Army National Guard women in detailed uniforms from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War and current eras.
Among the special guests expected to attend include Captain Betty Somppi, a centenarian who served as an original member of the first Women Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC) from 1942–1945.
“The UMWSW worked tirelessly with the City to bring their dream to fruition,” says Sonya Delgado, Director Parks & Recreation. “The Women Veterans Monument is breathtaking, momentous, and a unique accolade that will not only resonate with veterans in New Mexico but with all who have the privilege of visiting it!”
In collaboration with the UMWSW, The City of Las Cruces Museums has created a temporary photo exhibit of local women veterans which can be seen at the monument during the dedication. In addition, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library will feature a special section dedicated to women veterans in its month-long Women’s History Month display.
Parking is available at Mission Lutheran Church, 2752 N. Roadrunner Pkwy. for those attending the dedication. RoadRUNNER Transit will provide a free shuttle service between the church and Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. until the end of the event or all attendees have been returned to their vehicles.
For additional information about the Women Veterans Monument, call 575/528-4551. Visit the City of Las Cruces parks website at: http://www.las-cruces.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks and click on Parks Listing to find the Veterans Memorial Park information and map.
Museum System administration is located at 411 N. Main St. For information, call 575/522-3120.
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is located at 200 E. Picacho Ave. For information, call 575/528-4000.