Gratitude for Heroism

Speaker 1 (00:00):

Since the American Revolutionary War, women have been serving our great nation. Women are a fundamental and growing part of our nation's armed forces. Today, women represent 10% of military veterans and 16% of active duty military. But, one thing is very clear. 100% of these women are heroes. Every single woman has a rich and unique story about her service to our country. Now is the time to recognize women's contributions in a meaningful way by sparking the conversation, listening, and allowing it to inspire and light the way for many others to follow in her footsteps.

Speaker 1 (00:44):

OptumServe's work started with Lieutenant General Patty Horoho's desire to show these women gratitude for their heroism by developing a brooch that honors and represents the women of valor who have proudly worn the uniform of our nation. Acclaimed jewelry designer Ann Hand, often referred to as the nation's jeweler, designed this formal commemorative brooch as well as a companion lapel pin to wear for more casual occasions. This piece is rich with symbolism in its conceptualization to ensure that all branches of the U.S. military are honored.

Speaker 1 (01:23):

General Horoho's vision for the creation of this brooch is a deeply personal one and has been several years in the making. Finally, on June 12th, 2021, her vision came to fruition and General Horoho debuted the brooch at a ceremony at the Military Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. Here is her story.

General Horoho (01:47):

I'm proudly wearing the newly designed forget me not flower which serves as a symbol honoring women who have served this country or are currently serving. My father was a veteran of World War Two, Korea and Vietnam, and when he would be out wearing a ball cap with the Army insignia and someone would approach him and thank him for his service, he would sit a little taller, raise his head a little higher, and smile a little broader. You could see the recognition of what it meant to him and how it brightened his day. As his daughter, it made me proud to see others honor him for his service, but it also occurred to me that women did not have something that uniquely honored their military service.

General Horoho (02:36):

For quite some time, I wanted to create a beautiful symbol that could be displayed as a beautiful piece of jewelry that women veterans and active duty military could wear with pride to show others that they've served or are serving this country, or could be displayed on other items such as ball caps, tee shirts and other items of choice. It was important to me that this symbol first be displayed on a brooch honoring women who have worn the uniform of this country. But, I also hope that we'll encourage connections and nurture conversations. I really want the symbol to grow into a symbol that is recognized by others and recognize [inaudible 00:03:20] selfless service, courage and valor of these women so that others in turn can express their gratitude.

General Horoho (03:29):

I worked with world renowned jewelry designer Ann Hand, who designed this brooch. The brooch is a forget me not flower that is purple to represent a composite of the United States military colors. At the center of the brooch is a beautiful pearl that represents femininity, loyalty and integrity. The center star and letter V on the tips of the leaves represents victory, valor and veteran. I think that veterans sharing accounts of their service are an important part of the healing process, and while each person is a bit different, I want veterans and service members to feel empowered to tell their individual story.

General Horoho (04:15):

Also, those who have never served can have an understanding of and appreciate the selflessness that comes with being in the military. I hope, too, that they will be inspired. I think about our brave service members who leave their homes, children and spouses for months at a time so that all Americans can be kept safe and enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. I think about the people who put themselves in harm's way daily and the lucky ones who come home. They're survivors, but often bear significant physical and emotional scars. I'm not sure how we truly begin to thank them for the breadth of their service to our nation, but I want to start, and it starts with listening to, honoring and sharing each and every story. Serving together. Honored to serve.

Speaker 3 (05:13):

She's my cousin. She's my hero.

Speaker 4 (05:17):

My sisters. My heroes.

Speaker 5 (05:21):

She's my daughter. She's my hero.

Speaker 6 (05:25):

She's my friend. She's my hero.

Speaker 7 (05:29):

She's my daughter. She's my hero.

Speaker 8 (05:34):

She's my mom. She's my hero.

Speaker 9 (05:37):

She is my... My cousin and my [inaudible 00:05:40] hero. Thank you, Anna.

Speaker 10 (05:43):

She's my mom. She's my hero.

Speaker 11 (05:47):

She's my mom. She's my hero.

Speaker 12 (05:50):

I love you.