A ceremony was held on Nov. 17 for California’s first Women Veterans monument in Twain Harte. (Photo: CalVet)
Tuolumne County has unveiled California’s first documented monument dedicated to Women Veterans, located in Twain Harte. The memorial honors the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. military, creating a lasting acknowledgment of their contributions. This landmark project is years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration among Veterans, community members, and organizations.
The project was led by Vietnam Veteran Frank Smart, who has previously overseen several Veterans memorials in the county. The seven-sided design of the monument symbolizes the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the Merchant Marines who served during World War II. In 1988, Congress declared that all WWII Merchant Marines be recognized as Veterans, granting them the same rights and benefits.
Features of the memorial include a 35-foot flagpole, a water feature veneered in Sierra white granite, and a carved eagle with a five-foot wingspan as its centerpiece. The pathways surrounding the monument are lined with commemorative bricks purchased by supporters, which helped fund the construction. Located at the entrance to the county swimming pool, the site was chosen for its accessibility and visibility, sitting near popular local businesses like the Local Press Café and The Rock of Twain Harte.
The dedication ceremony drew around 100 attendees, including Lindsey Sin, Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Sin, the first woman to lead the department since 1975, has spent her career advocating for Women Veterans. She spoke about the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women in the military and the community’s role in preserving their legacy.
The memorial became a reality through community support. The Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce played a vital role in coordination and fundraising, alongside grants and donations from groups like the Twain Harte Soroptimist Club, Sonora Area Foundation, and Twain Harte Rotary Club. The design team included local professionals such as architect Roy Charles Lane, engineer Jerry Fuccillo, and Mother Lode Art Association president John Sharum, ensuring a polished and meaningful structure.
Women Veterans in the community were central to the planning process, sharing their stories of military service and challenges. Through outreach efforts, the Women Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee connected with local Veterans to create a shared space that reflects their experiences and sacrifices.
Though the memorial is officially open, additional work is planned, including landscaping and benches to enhance the site. The project has also inspired efforts to create similar memorials elsewhere. A Stanislaus County Veteran expressed plans to establish a tribute in her community.
This memorial stands as one of the few monuments dedicated to Women Veterans. It serves as a testament to their contributions and the collective determination of the community to honor their legacy for generations to come.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.