In honor of Frieda Mae Green Hardin - (1897-2000)
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Frieda Mae Green Hardin
(1896-2000)      

From the 1997 dedication of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial 

The emotional high point of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial dedication was reached when Frieda Mae Green Hardin, a 101-year-old World War I veteran, standing with her 73-year-old son, and retired Navy captain, addressed the crowd of more than 30,000 and left them on their feet and cheering. She looked over the assembled throng and closed her remarks saying,
 "It is not likely that I will be meeting with you again, so I bid each of you a fond farewell."

Frieda Mae Green Hardin   Yeoman First Class, WWI    
Speech from WIMSA Memorial Dedication 1997

World War I veteran Freida Mae Green Hardin along with her son (retired Navy Capt. Jerald Kirsten) and General Wilma Vaught at the 1997 WIMSA Memorial Dedication in Washington D.C.

My dear Shipmates and Friends:

It is my hope that you can feel the pride and pleasure that are mine in being able to be with you here today. I'm very glad to be here for the Women In Military Service For America Memorial. The Memorial will be a lasting tribute to women who have served their country in the Armed Forces and one which is long overdue.

In my 101 years of living, I have observed many wonderful achievements but none as important or as meaningful as the progress of women in taking their rightful place in society. When I served in the Navy, women were not even allowed to vote!  Now women occupy important leadership positions, not only in the military, but also in business, government, education and in almost every form of human activity.

Mine was not the first generation of women to serve our country, but we did our part, serving with honor and distinction. To those women who are now in military service, I say, "Go for it!" You are doing wonderful work and it's very much appreciated. To those young women who may be thinking of a career in the military service, I say, "Go for it!" You will find a world of opportunity waiting for you. For my part, I have always been very proud of my Navy service.

It is not likely that I will be meeting with you again, so I bid each of you a fond farewell. God bless the United States Navy: God Bless America and Goodbye!

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photo from Ssgt. Renee' L. Sittler