Virginia to Honor Women Veterans During Statewide Recognition Week

The Commonwealth of Virginia will celebrate the service and sacrifice of women in uniform during Virginia Women Veterans Week, set for March 15–21, 2026.

Now in its ninth year, the statewide observance recognizes the thousands of women who have served — and continue to serve — in the U.S. Armed Forces. Virginia officially designates the third week of March each year to honor women veterans.

The 2026 theme, “She Leads the Legacy: Trailblazers in Motion,” highlights women who have paved the way in military service and who continue to lead in their communities after transitioning to civilian life.

A special Virginia Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), the ceremony will feature guest speakers, tributes to women veterans, and the presentation of Virginia Women Veteran lapel pins to all women veterans in attendance.

The event is free and open to the public, with a special invitation extended to women veterans. The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond.

“We are proud that Virginia remains a leader in honoring the contributions of women veterans,” said DVS Commissioner John Maxwell. He noted that the department has long recognized the unique challenges and opportunities women veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life.

Virginia is home to more than 110,000 women veterans — the highest percentage of women veterans per population of any state, according to DVS. Thousands more women currently serve in Virginia in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves.

“This special recognition ceremony is a heartfelt tribute from all Virginians to their courage, dedication, and resilience,” said Neikesha Thompson, Women Veteran Liaison at DVS and a U.S. Army combat veteran.

Following the March 18 ceremony, a Virginia Women Veterans luncheon will be held at the War Memorial. Seating for the luncheon is limited, and pre-registration is required. Those wishing to attend either the ceremony alone or both the ceremony and luncheon must register by March 13, 2026.

More information about Virginia Women Veterans Week and registration details can be found at www.dvs.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services, founded in 1928, assists veterans and their families with benefits claims, healthcare access, housing, employment, education, and other support programs. The agency also operates long-term care facilities, three state veterans cemeteries, and the Virginia War Memorial.

Through programs such as the Virginia Women Veterans Program, DVS works to educate, unify, and empower women who have served in every era of the military.