As Americans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, one Web site has given a special tribute to the 110 servicewomen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, a combat death toll for women unparalleled in U.S. history.
"The Women of the Web," or wowOwow.com, a site launched in 2008 by female journalists to cover news and political issues unique to women, compiled photographs of all 110 female soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq — including their names, ages, hometowns and positions within the military.
"These are the true daughters of the American revolution," the tribute reads. "The revolution that has allowed women to shatter glass ceilings in all walks of life even when the consequence is heartbreaking."
According to the Web site, women now make up 15 percent of America's active-duty forces. Consequently, the death toll among female soldiers has risen significantly. The latest casualty figure for American servicewomen exceeds those killed in the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm conflicts combined, the site claims.
Click here to read the article on wowOwow.com.
Click here to view photos on wowOwow.com.
"When thinking about how to celebrate our country's birthday this week, we at wowOwow.com knew there would be no better way than honoring the ultimate 'wOw' women ... the 100 plus female patriots in the U.S. military who have given their lives in battle on the fields of Iraq and Afghanistan," wOw editor-in-chief Deborah Barrow said in a statement.
"No matter your political bent ... we give voice to all sides," she said. "The new reality of modern warfare combined with the success of military women in breaking through the 'brass ceiling' is resulting in many more fallen female patriots.
"We wanted to honor them with a simple photo of each and say: Thank you."
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