New memorial to female veterans unveiled Published March 16, 2015 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Dozens attended a brunch and ceremony to honor female veterans at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial on Friday. Started in 1985, the ceremony commemorated the event's 30th anniversary. For the past three decades, the organization Tribute to Women in the Military has held a public commemoration on the first Friday in March. At this year's event, a monument was unveiled to celebrate the milestone. The stone memorial honors New Mexico women who have served, are serving and those who will serve in the future. New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Andrew Salas and Director of Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Judy Griego spoke at the event, and Griego and City of Albuquerque Veterans' Affairs Liaison Roger Newall cut a ribbon and unveiled the new memorial. Women veterans from several conflicts -- including six who served in World War II -- and many female active-duty and National Guard members attended the ceremony, as well as 377th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Tom Miller. Salas said it is vital that community members recognize the contributions of female active-duty members and veterans. "The women veterans of the U.S. military have played a key role in defending our nation," he said. "That's why it's important that we have a day like today at this wonderful memorial." Mary Cox, an active member of Tribute to Women in the Military and curator for the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, said women have historically volunteered to serve. "My thing is that so many people forget there are women veterans," Cox said. "And over the years, women volunteer to serve. The men have been drafted, but the women have always volunteered." The memorial is northwest of the amphitheater at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, which is north of the intersection of Gibson and Louisiana boulevards. For more information about Tribute to Women in the Military, go to tributetowomeninthemilitary.org.