Computerized databases record women's names, photos, and stories. Nurses have played a prominent role in the nation's military conflicts, most notably during World War II, when Slewitzke estimates 57,000 nurses signed on. Since then the numbers have dropped, a trend she attributes to civilian unease at leaving families. People just wanted to get on with their lives. Today, with wider opportunities afforded women in the armed forces, Slewitzke notes that nurse recruitment is still hard.
Women now can go into other jobs.
Nursing is still viewed as a traditional role for women going into service. Memorial planners hope to open specialized exhibits telling the stories of particular groups of women, Slewitzke said.