MemorialVeteransHall exhibits

Women Who Served In Military

By Molly Ovendon

The importance of oral history preservation stems from the idea that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Veterans

Memorial Hall is part of the St. Louis County Historical Society, managed by Jay Hagen, whose aim is to discover, preserve and disseminate historical and educational information related to local veterans.

Collecting oral histories and composite biographies about anyone who served in the military in World War II is particularly close to Hagen’s heart. His own uncle, James Joseph Hubert, served and died during World War II, but his remains weren’t found until 2015 on a South Pacific Island. Hagen went to VMH for advice. He confirmed his uncle’s remains in 2016 and brought them home in 2017. This journey of discovery, seeking to honor fallen soldiers, led Hagen to his program manager role at Veterans Memorial Hall.

“So many of these stories are not told,” Hagen said. Soldiers who came home usually shared their stories with others. Researchers might be able to resurrect other stories from military records, but they aren’t as personal as firsthand accounts. Unfortunately, without getting the story directly from the veteran, some history is lost.

Hagen is working with a group called “Stories Behind the Stars,” who are developing an app so anyone can scan a headstone in a military cemetary and read someone’s story.

Through VMH, over 8,000 veterans have recorded their stories. The oral history program estimates that more than 15,000 additional military veterans live in St. Louis County whose stories haven’t yet been archived.

“Learning about your past is pivotal,” Hagen said.

One way locals can help is for high school seniors and college students to apply for the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship. Applicants submit a research essay on a local serviceperson, ideally a member of the applicant’s family.

Resources from the Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center at VMH are available to anyone wanting to do research. There is a vision to eventually become a full-blown research center. Some applicants’ research related to veterans of St. Louis County might be added to the VMH archives, even if they aren’t awarded the scholarship.

Deadline for applications is Sept. 12, 2021, with more information found on the VMH website (www.vets-hall. org).

“How could you not tell their stories?” Hagen said.

Part of the evolution of the archival process is the acknowledgement of the contribution of women throughout history. The Veterans Memorial Hall helps visitors remember and honor women who served.

One research essay written for the Colalillo scholarship was about Wendy the Welder. Rosie the Riveter was a poster lady for women helping the WWII war efforts and represented all women who served, while Wendy the Welder represented local women serving their nation in ship and rail yards in West Duluth. VMH has an exhibit tribute to women working in mines, too.

Another placard pays tribute to Native American veterans. Diana Goodsky, U.S. Navy, from the Bois Forte

Band of Ojibwe in Nett Lake, Minnesota, retired in 1995, having served in anti-submarine tactics and wartime operations.

Other exhibits include: a rare flag flown while states joined the Union — with 13 stripes and 20 stars — donated by the Mars family; a spotlight to Joe Gomer, Tuskegee airman; and Medal of Honor Row with two real medals on display.

Salute to Servicewomen: Traveling exhibits

Two versions of a multipanel exhibit, “Salute to Servicewomen,” seek to educate visitors in the Iron Range and St. Louis County areas about women who served their country during wartime and those who were in active military.

Women have always played a valuable role during both war and peace times; however, it wasn’t until 1948 that women received permanent status to serve in the Armed Forces. During WWII, branches of military for women formed. As time progressed, women have continued to serve on medical teams, while also being integrated into the military without separation from men. Women have continued to receive opportunities and recognition in the military.

One way to honor women for their service to their country is to read their stories. Women from around St. Louis County and the Iron Range cities featured on these “Salute to Servicewomen” panels are:

World War I

Lydia V. Whiteside served with the Red Cross.

World War II

Bonnie Anderson served in the Army-WACs.

Shirley Armstrong Hedin served in the Women’s Land Army.

Julia Marshall served in the Army-WACs.

Veda F. Ponikvar served in the Navy.

Mariann W. Wood (nee Wilson) served on the USMC.

Vietnam War

Katherine Stella Camps served in the Army.

Annette Mariucci (nee Beauto) served in the Army Nurses Corps.

Myra M. Stead served in the Navy.

Korean War

Ilene Cecilia Pearson served in the Navy during WWII, then later with the USAF in Korea.

Desert Shield/Storm

Mary Thompson served in the Navy.

Global War on Terror

Mistica Blazevic served in the Army.

Jodi R. Stauber served with the USAF.

Resources promoting women’s stories and the online archive of oral histories are available online: VMH Website: www.vetshall.org; Facebook: facebook.com/veteransmemorialhall; and Society website: www.thehistorypeople.org.

For more information about traveling exhibits, the scholarship or the museum, contact Project Manager Jay Hagen. Visit the museum anytime for an in-person tour of the VMH in the Depot Great Hall or online. The VMH is free and open to the public, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding days the Depot is closed. D