Veterans Day passed a bit ago, and like I do for most holidays, I paid it no mind. Being of my generation, growing hearing about the wars in the Middle East, current genocide in Gaza… I’ve never been pro military. Hearing about the struggles many veterans face, the way governments disregard many of their own, pushed me away from having a positive light on the military, any military.
This book shifted my perspective and I’m grateful for that. I am grateful for books, like this, that shift my outlook on various situations. Understanding the significance of days like Veterans Day is important, and even if I may not agree with the politics surrounding it, I must look beyond that to see the individuals who serve. It’s essential to recognize them as unique individuals rather than mere pawns or victims of the system.
Women like Frances, Ethel, and Barb were part of a broader movement that transformed societal roles and made significant sacrifices during a pivotal moment in history. Reading how the roles women are often forgotten about, gave me a new insight to the plight of veterans.
This book is joining the list of books that radicalized me as a feminist. It reflected the layers of invalidation women experience in many aspects of life. The way Frances was treated mostly by her father and other veterans was disheartening. Her experiences being dismissed, resources being denied because of her gender indicated the discrimination she faced.
As a future physician, I felt inspired by Frances’ dedication, bravery and skills. If nothing, this books shows how indispensable nurses are. Medicine would be nowhere without nursing. They deserve recognition for their services in this field, in the military and in any others.
Life can be difficult at times, and that was the case for Frances. I’m glad she realized she’s human. She learned to forgive herself for making mistakes, for not being who others envisioned her to be. I understand her guilt about her mistakes especially given the way she was raised to be before the war. I still struggle with not being perfect.
Frances finding some peace and purpose was an ending I was grateful for. An ending I do not take for granted. Yes, many women end up with love and marriage. Others do not, and that’s a truth that needs to be accepted. A truth, a hopeless romantic like myself, is learning to accept, for real women and fictional ones. The ending was a generous one, given the realities of pain that many veterans suffer through.
To Read: History of Women in US Military
DEEPEST THOUGHTS 