A new exhibit at the Military Women’s Memorial, located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, is highlighting the contributions women of color have made during their time in uniform.

The exhibit, The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen, opened in time for Women’s History Month and will remain open as an ongoing exhibit. It’s the country’s only historical repository documenting all women’s service, according to the memorial.

A recent segment on NBC's Today show showcased the exhibit, including input from Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA, now a Skillbridge Fellow with MOAA's Government Relations team: 

The exhibit highlights women of color from Olga Custodio, who became the first Hispanic woman pilot in the U.S. armed forces in 1980, to Midshipman Sydney Barber, who in 2020 was named the first Black woman to serve as brigade commander at the U.S. Naval Academy.

[MORE ABOUT MIDSHIPMAN SYDNEY BARBER AND OTHER WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS FROM MILITARY OFFICER]

“The array of stories of determination and triumph, despite challenges of race and gender, are truly inspirational,” said Phyllis Wilson, president of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation.

Visitors will be able to view unique items from the Military Women’s Memorial collection, as well as learn the stories of military servicewomen. For virtual visitors, the memorial’s website offers the ability to tour exhibits and walk through the grounds.

Tickets to the exhibit are free and can be reserved online. Visitors must wear face coverings are keep distanced from other visitors.

The exhibit is being put on by the memorial’s foundation with support from the Comcast NBCUniversal Military & Veterans Affairs, with additional support from Northrop Grumman, GEICO Military, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Cerner Corporation.