GWOR hosts inaugural Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony

The Gay Women of Rehoboth honored women who have served and given their lives for the country with the group’s inaugural Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Rehoboth Beach.

Between morning rain and afternoon showers, the 40-minute ceremony went off without a hitch. Retired Commander Jeanette Shimkus served as master of ceremonies, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware’s the Rev. Heather Rion Starr offered the opening prayer, local musician Viki Dee sang two songs, and Ellie Maher read the names of women who have died in service to their country. The names included women from across the country who lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Syria.

Retired Col. Debbie Harrington was the guest speaker. Women are the fastest-growing segment of the military, and, just like their brothers, some are coming home having paid the ultimate sacrifice, she said.

Lisa Soens, a founding member of GWOR, said the event was organized because the group didn’t feel like women veterans get enough recognition. They’re sometimes overlooked, but they’re doing a lot of work, she said.

GWOR is a local women’s group created as a way to share knowledge, build relationships and effect change in the community. For more information, go to the GWOR Facebook page.