ARLINGTON, Va. -- Sgt. Maj. Lanette N. Wright represented the Marine Corps during the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues annual wreath-laying ceremony at the national cemetery here May 14, a ceremony that for more than 15 years has served to remember the women who have given their lives in service to this country.
“Today’s ceremony was about recognizing all the fallen veterans who have gone before us,” said Wright, sergeant major of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. “It was also a ceremony recognizing the current women serving.”
Wright, a native of Boca Raton, Florida, has served 25 years, including two deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan and numerous operations. She has served as a Marine Security Guard at embassies in China, Japan, Barbados and Australia.
“I am truly humbled by it, and it kind of encompasses all the years of service I have had and my leadership.”
In front of the Woman in Military Service for America Memorial, five female members of the caucus recognized one representative from each Department of Defense military service and the U.S. Coast Guard. Wright was among the group being recognized.
“This ceremony means a lot to me,” Wright said. “It means that women of all services are equally important, and we all do a job.”
A moment of silence followed for all fallen female service members, and an Army bugler played taps to conclude the ceremony.