CAIRO- In celebration of Women’s History Month, Pope’s Museum opened its newest mural and outdoor area, dedicated to female veterans on Saturday, March 22, 2025. 

Executive Director Michelle Dean welcomed in the crowd of veterans and Cairo residents, alike explaining the history of Pope’s Museum and how the new exhibit came about. 

“If you know anything about Pope’s Museum, the artist’s name is Laura Pope Forrester,” Dean said. “Before she died in 1953, she created over 200 sculptures and wall-to-wall murals. These works did two things: honor veterans and showcase the strengths of women.” 

Due to Pope Forrester’s early death, she was unable to see many historic moments giving women equal recognition and opportunities. However, Pope-Forrester can always remember women’s accolades now thanks to a grant Dean wrote, combining the late artist’s passions for a mural depicting female veterans. 

The mural was the work of artist Tracy Foutz-Hunt, while the outdoor space and design was the brainchild of Women Veterans Unite and veteran Tim Moore. 

“Tim took a spark and turned it into a flame and did an absolutely amazing job,” Dean said, acknowledging Moore and the rest of the Pope’s Museum Board. 

Following a round of applause, Dean introduced the Master of Ceremonies Chaplain Colonel Linda J. Pugsley. 

Pugsley served two tours in Vietnam as a Flight Nurse and has served as the Chaplain for the United States Air Force Auxiliary. 

She opened the ceremony with a word of prayer, before welcoming the Cairo High School JROTC to present the colors, while Jennifer Jarvis sang the National Anthem. 

Upon the conclusion of the National Anthem, Pugsley asked all Veterans to remain standing with each female veteran to share their name, rank, branch, and years of service. Among them were nurses in the Vietnam War, U.S. Army Sergeants, Journalists in the U.S. Navy, and one of the first female parachutists to get their license in the Republic of Panama. 

With a thunderous round of applause, the attendees were then invited to enjoy a performance by two students at the FIRM Dance Company. 

Pugsley was intrigued by the performance, joking it made her want to see a chiropractor just watching, but acknowledged both she and the dancers were immensely privileged to be a part of the Women’s Veteran Mural Dedication Ceremony. 

“It is with joy and pride that I speak today,” Pugsley said. “Joy that my God granted me to return to the world whole, and proud that I served my countrymen in Vietnam.” 

Pugsley explained that serving in Vietnam was both a blessing and a curse. 

“It was a blessing because we were always in a situation to help someone and a curse because it was so unreal,” she said. “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” 

Pugsley recalled dancing with service members at the makeshift club, before sitting sullen and sad the next day, knowing that man got shot out of the sky that day. 

“We gave up our homes, our beds, our clothes, our real showers, and real food because we love our country and we loved what America stands for,” she said. “We went to Vietnam because we knew young Americans were being killed and wounded.” 

During her time in Vietnam as a nurse, Pugsley came across a man who had both legs, and an arm blown off. He also suffered massive abdominal wounds and was blinded. 

“He called me over and I thought he wanted pain medication, and I was stunned when he asked ‘Will my girlfriend still love me when I go home?’” 

Pugsley remembered telling him, “Sure she will, you’re a hero!”

Unfortunately, when Pugsley and her patient returned home, they were not received with a heroic welcome. 

“Then we had the confusion we had when we got home from Vietnam,” she said. “War is terrible and has terrible results and conflicts, but the morality we hold deep in our hearts keeps us ahead of time.” 

Pugsley said since her time as a nurse, life has come full circle. She is now able to help care for veterans spiritual and emotional wounds, long after making sure their physical wounds were healed. 

“We can be assured we are leaving a legacy that will not soon be forgotten,” Pugsley said. 

There to share her legacy, was keynote speaker Chief Hospital Corpsman Patsey Schreiber. 

“As I stand before you, I am humbled to speak at such an auspicious occasion,” she said. “I do not take this lightly.” 

Schreiber told the crowd she spent weeks writing her speech, but after arriving and walking on the grounds of Pope’s Museum, she scratched the speech, noting that nothing she could say encompassed the way the grounds made her feel. 

“Thank you for creating an environment where female veterans can find a home,” she said. “Thank you to those women who paved the way, allowing me to do what I do today.” 

Schreiber said she was blessed to serve her country for 26 years, some of which were the best of her life. However, she acknowledged that for some that wasn’t the case, especially those who served in Vietnam. 

“Because you didn’t hear it when you got home, I’ll say it now, “Welcome Home!”

“I realize you didn’t get a parade, you didn’t get a thank you, you got spat on and you got disrespected,” she said. “You got disrespected by 99% of the country that will never wear the cloth of our nation, shame on them!” 

Schreiber understood that the first women who served may have also felt this way and paid homage to the ones who first opened the door for her, Pugsley, and all the other female veterans in attendance. 

“We are few and far between,” she said. “Thank you for serving this country and your bravery, and continuing everyday who make a difference. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.” 

Schreiber asked those in attendance to continue to serve in volunteer capacities and cheer on the women who continue to serve today, as they face unique challenges women didn’t previously face. 

“I know I am so grateful to wake up every morning in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” she said. 

She acknowledged women who have returned to civilian life also face unique challenges, though. 

“We must fight for their health care needs and social stigmas they deal with every day,” she said. “We, as Americans must assure they receive the support and resources they have earned.”

Schreiber concluded by begging those in attendance to continue supporting women veterans and listening to their stories, ensuring their voices are heard. 

“Let us all work together to create a society where all veterans, especially my sisters, are valued, respected, and supported,” she ended. 

With a standing ovation, Jennifer Jarvis returned to the podium to sing “God Bless the USA,” as service members joined arms. 

Upon the retiring of the colors, the women were then invited into their new space that paid tribute to their lifetime of service.