February 16, 2013 – Happy Birthday, Anna Mae Hays

nBornnon this date in 1920, Hays was the first woman in the U.S. Militarynto reach the rank of Brigadier General. She was a nurse who served innIndia during World War II and also saw service during the Korean War.nShe became chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Immediately after she wasnpromoted to Brigadier General, in 1970, a second woman was alsonpromoted to the rank of Brigadier General. (So Hays was first, butnonly by a minute!)
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nFornmore than 4,000 years, in many different cultures and nations, womennhave served various roles in the military. However, theirnparticipation in armed forces and especially in battle—and mostnespecially in leadership positions—has usually been limited and/orncontroversial. n

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nIfnyou are interested in some long-ago female military leaders, checknout:
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• the legendary Amazons, 

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• Boudica, 

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• and Joan of Arc.

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nnLithuania’snIndependence Day
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