WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The Military Women's Memorial opened next to the Arlington National Cemetery on Oct. 18, 1997.
They are the only major national memorial dedicated, to honoring and telling the stories of women, past and present who serve our nation.
Friday night, they celebrated 27 years, and honored two celebrities, Kerry Washington and Sean Astin, with Patriot Leadership Awards.
"What they stand for is that they are helping to shine a light to all of America about what women have done in the military," said Phyllis Wilson, the President of the Military Women's Memorial.
Sean Astin, best known for his roles in 'Lord of The Rings,' 'Rudy,' and 'Goonies,' to name a few, was one of the recipients.
In 2022, he was honored with a Civilian Aide Emeritus, for his service as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army from 1995 to 2005. One of the secretary's he served under, was Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth.
"Secretary Wormuth, the first female Secretary of the Army, nominated me as Emeritus, which means old," joked Astin, "I don't think that joke ever gets old".
Jokes aside, Astin told WUSA9 that receiving the leadership award Friday, was an honor.
"I'm aware of the ways that people who have a public profile can contribute. To me, I was obviously honored and flattered that they would consider me. But all I could think of was, can I be helpful. The fact that Lord of the Rings was really popular. If there's anyway for me to use the work I've done like watching movies I'm in, if I can direct them in this way it makes me feel like that is the absolute least that i can do," said Astin.
Kerry Washington, best known for her role as Olivia Pope in 'Scandal,' was also honored. She told WUSA9 it was so special to receive such recognition.
"What we do as actors is so tiny in comparison to the level of sacrifice our armed forces devote themselves to. So, I just feel really honored to be among true heroes," said Washington.
She's getting ready for the release of the movie 'The Six Triple Eight,' which comes out in December.
"I have the extraordinary honor of playing Charity Adams who was a member of the 6888. Which was the only black female battalion that went overseas in World War II," said Washington.
The film is based on the true story of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The women were given a six month deadline, to sort through 17 million pieces of mail that hadn't been delivered to American soldiers from home. They did it in three months.
"I think what the 6888 did overseas will be so inspiring because they were underestimated. People didn't think they could be true heroes of democracy," said Washington.
For the first time, Washington got to see Charity Adams' uniform on display at the museum.
"I'm so excited to see her uniform here and to meet her children," Washington told WUSA9.
Wilson, a Veteran herself, told WUSA9 it's great to see these women getting the attention they deserve.
"In all the years that I served i didn't hear some of these stories. The story about the 6888th, I didn't know them and it's a shame. if we didn't know it while we were serving why would the rest of America know," said Wilson.
Making sure everyone knows the stories of these women, she says, is the goal.
"I believe I would have been a better soldier if I'd known who came before me. That's our mission here to to tell America all of these amazing women who have and are serving now," said Wilson.
She told WUSA9 they hoped to raise $500,000 at Friday night's gala.
Since they don't get federal funding, she shared that they rely on donations, sponsors and fundraising events like this one, to keep things up and running.
"We opened 27 years ago. That was 10 years before the first iPhone. So the technology in here leaves much to be desired. We're not federally funded. So, just to operate and have the lights on and just to do an event like this, we require sponsors and donors," said Wilson.
She said they're planning to do some major renovations, that will include bringing in more technology at the end of 2026. The goal is to have the memorial open again in time for the summer of 2027.
Wilson told WUSA9 they currently have the stories of about 317,000 women who've served. It's a small percentage when you consider that more than 3 million women have served.
"We can only tell the stories we know. So if a woman is listening and she has or is serving, please add your story here. We'd love to help tell it," said Wilson.
If you're a woman who has served or is currently serving in the military, you can submit your story on the Military Women's Memorial website.
The Memorial, which is free and open to the public, is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 12 to 5 p.m. Sundays.