Non-profit hopes to build monument in honor of women soldiers

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Military monuments and memorials can be found throughout the Gulf Coast.

They’re reminders of those who served and even died so that we could live.

 A new monument could be coming our way and it would stand for every woman's service in the military.

Janis Wilson is a part of the Center for Strategic Military Excellence, a local organization that assists and provides care for veterans. They put together the non-profit group Monument to Women Veterans Foundation in 2011.  

"It’s a 30-foot tall flame with a laser beam going out of the top of it. The beam will represent the light that we want to shine for all women veterans,” said Wilson. 

The monument was designed by artist Elizabeth McQueen, who has done a number of sculptures around the world. 

 Wilson said they want to build the steel statue and add a museum and shops around it.

“It’s going to have a definite economic impact on the area. There will be the work at the museum and shops as well as the work that goes into building the statue. Plus, it will be an ongoing tourist attraction," Wilson said.

Wilson said potential sites for the monument include Pensacola, Mobile, Milton and even San Diego. But she said their hopes are to keep it on the Gulf Coast.

Robin Bjorklund lives in Pensacola. She said the monument is a great idea.

“Pensacola would be a beautiful place to have it because it's a very pro-military town. I know a lot of women that have served and I work with women that are serving right now. They sacrifice a lot so their recognition is wonderful,” said Bjorklund.

Wilson said she can't wait until they get the monument built.

“I get goose bumps just thinking about it. It’ll be a beautiful site. It’s long overdue and I think it’ll instill even more pride to every woman who has served. That’s what we want, to let them know we’re proud of their service,” Wilson said.

Officials say there is no set timetable for the monument.

If you'd like to know more about the monument or donate towards the cause, you can do so here.