The annual luncheon in La Jolla invited many in uniform and supporters to acknowledge the sacrifice of female military service members.

Women veterans were recognized by their male peers and dozens of community members at the Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial March 25 to honor female service members for Women’s History Month.

The memorial, run by the Mt Soledad Memorial Association, bears about 6,700 plaques for veterans of every branch of US military service and is the only memorial to honor veterans, living or deceased, from the American Revolution to the present, with an image of the veteran.

The annual women’s luncheon, this year a tribute to “Legacy & Valor,” expresses gratitude for female veterans, “acknowledging their achievements and ensuring their legacy is fully recognized,” association trustee and master of ceremonies Edyta Makowski said. 

“To all the female active duty and veterans here today, your service has strengthened our nation [and] inspired our communities,” she said.

Legacy is “the impact of our actions, our values and beliefs,” said keynote speaker, retired US Air Force Maj Greta Hamilton, who currently directs the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemetery Complex. 

“It’s not about what we leave behind, but it’s also about the ripple effect of our choices,” she added. 

Hamilton has been largely inspired by both of her parents, she said, noting her father would motivate her through daily repetitions of “‘give out before you give up,’” which “gave me courage to press forward.”

The importance of “trailblazing women” is often ignored, Hamilton said, “and that’s unfortunate. … I believe it is our duty as a nation to celebrate the service and sacrifice of women who blazed the trails that we now walk upon.”

“I’m so proud of the women who have served and the women who are serving today,” she said. “Your contributions will continue to uplift this nation.”