A New Statue Honoring Women In The Military Has Been Unveiled At Arlington National Cemetery

‘The Pledge,’ a sculpture commemorating military women and dogs was unveiled outside Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, October 17.

A new statue honoring women in the military and their furry companions has been unveiled at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial, located just outside Arlington National Cemetery. Created by sculptor Susan Bahary, ‘The Pledge’ was unveiled during a small ceremony at the Memorial on Saturday, October 17.

‘“The Pledge” honors the commitment of our brave servicewomen, in all the jobs they do,’ reads a post on the sculptor’s website. ‘It represents their pledge of faithful allegiance to our country and to protect and defend our freedom. There are very few monuments in the US featuring women and fewer yet honoring them for their great military service. The time has come.’

The sculpture shows a female Military Dog Handler in full combat uniform carrying out a very dangerous job, a feature that emphasizes ‘the capabilities of women, attributed to only men not long ago,’ according to Bahary. ‘It further inspires all women to realize their own strength of character and capabilities.’

Bahary’s piece was commissioned by the U.S. War Dogs Association National Headquarters and is located inside the Women’s Memorial at Arlington Cemetery, the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout its history.

See also: A Museum Dedicated To Words & Language Is Opening In DC This Week

[Featured image: Facebook/ Bahary Studios]