TWAIN HARTE, Calif. — Tuolumne County made history Saturday as dozens gathered below the tall trees of Twain Harte to dedicate what the California Department of Veterans Affairs says is the state's first documented monument honoring women veterans.
"I've been to seven countries and I've lived in 26 states across America. When I retired, I found this little place and I never left," said Tuolumne County resident and army veteran Jill Main. "I was a female gunner in the turret... When I enlisted, I went in with two children already. They have to know, Mom might not come home."
Despite living in such a small community, Main is not alone.
"At 18, I left for the United States Navy," said Krysta Wolken. "I was really surprised. I didn't realize how many amazing women veterans we have locally and how many have so many incredible stories about the challenges women have faced."
Wolken and Main both discovered the strong community of women veterans after they were recruited to help plan the memorial.
"It was little by little, trying word of mouth, a little social media, a little, 'Who do you know that's a local vet?' and then that's how the group started formulating in the beginning," said Wolken. "Without the community's contributions and support, we would not be here today."
The memorial is now open, but some final touches remain. In the coming weeks, community members will install a waterfall and add benches.
"I just retired from the United States Army," said Stanislaus County veteran Kelley Coelho who made the drive to the dedication ceremony Saturday. "Going into that male-dominated industry, it's very tough and rough. You have to be able to do what that male is doing."
While Coelho left the ceremony feeling honored, she also felt inspired.
"I was really excited to check it out," said Coelho. "I'm on the Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Committee and Commission and I really want to recreate this in Stanislaus County."
That response is exactly what project leaders were looking for-- hoping to spread the honor to ensure that no one's sacrifices are forgotten.
"I hope to see more women veterans honor each other and put memorials up all over," said Main. "My great-great-grandkids will be able to see this, and so it makes me proud."
Watch more from ABC10: How did Veterans Day come to be, and why does it fall on Nov. 11?
