KANSAS CITY, Mo. — President Biden recently signed the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for 2025, heralding a significant legislative effort to honor women who served during World War I. The Act includes provisions for awarding Congressional Gold Medals to the distinguished women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, affectionately known as the ‘Hello Girls.’ This group, consisting of 223 telephone operators, made history as the first female soldiers deployed to combat zones, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the military.
The bill, introduced by Missouri Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver and Sam Graves, along with Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude. Congressman Cleaver expressed the importance of these recognitions, particularly for families of those who served, stating, “I know firsthand how important these recognitions are to the families of those who defended our freedom, and I’m thankful... for their loved one’s service to the United States when we needed them most.” This recognition is not only about historical acknowledgment but also extends to providing closure and honor to the descendants of these brave women.
Speaking at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Lora Vogt, the VP of Education and Interpretation, highlighted the unique qualifications of the Hello Girls, stating, “Many of them had actually served as telephone operators already and so they were used to the job.” With over 7,000 women applying for these roles, only 223 were selected to serve across the front lines during the war. “These are women who are incredibly well educated, they are bilingual,” Vogt added, underscoring their elite status as they operated complex phone systems under dire conditions.
Despite their contributions, it wasn’t until the 1970s they were officially granted veteran status—a delay echoing the broader historical challenges women faced within military service. The recent legislative acknowledgment marks over 100 years of delayed recognition but shines a light on their powerful stories, as Vogt explained, “It’s so important because it shines again this light so... we pay closer attention to these lesser-known stories.”
Meanwhile, the spirit of remembrance permeated the nation on Saturday, with Wreaths Across America placing approximately 2 million wreaths on veterans’ graves during the holiday season. This initiative, held at cemeteries across the country, including Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairmont, West Virginia, helps honor fallen heroes through community involvement and education.
At Maple Grove, volunteers were present, including local Boy Scouts, who participated actively during the ceremony. Marcella Yaremchuk, the Coordinator for Wreaths Across America at this location, expressed joy at the turnout, stating, “We are involving the young, we are teaching them... They’re part of the celebration of placing wreaths on veterans’ graves.” This commitment to involving youth fosters not only gratitude but also historical awareness as the next generation learns to respect and honor the service of those who came before.
The ceremony featured the graves of veterans from various wars, including five from the Revolutionary War and many from conflicts up to the Vietnam War. Jack Oliver from the Marion County Historical Society emphasized the wealth of history encapsulated within the cemetery walls, echoing the sentiment of remembrance meaningful to all attendees.
Adding to the narrative of support, PA American Water made headlines with its $25,000 donation to York County Veterans Outreach, marking the largest contribution the organization has made to the veterans’ service group. Thomas Chiomento, the Vice President of Business Development at PA American Water, shared the motivation behind the donation, stating, “When we were presented with the opportunity to contribute to the organization, this was a no-brainer for us.” His comments reflect the growing commitment from corporate sectors to support veterans and their families.
Susan Byrnes, the Founder & Board Chair of York County Veterans Outreach, expressed hopes for this donation to initiate fruitful partnerships, stating, “We’re hoping... to apply for more money next year when we show them how it’s been used to serve our veterans.” The organization provides various services, including emergency financial assistance and mental health resources, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by veterans.
These initiatives collectively represent how communities and public figures can come together to honor and support veterans, creating connections from past to present for those who serve. The acts of remembrance, recognition, and support not only pay tribute to those who have worn the uniform but also assure them and their families they remain valued members of society.
