Sisters in Arms of Cape Coral, Inc., has launched a campaign to build Southwest Florida\u2019s first-ever Women\u2019s Military Memorial Monument at the Ecological Preserve. RENDITION PROVIDED<\/p>\n
A Cape Coral non-profit comprised of woman veterans is looking to leave a legacy in the city\u2019s veteran monument area at Four Mile Cove.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sisters in Arms of Cape Coral, Inc., has launched a campaign to build Southwest Florida\u2019s first-ever Women\u2019s Military Memorial Monument at the Ecological Preserve. The organization is seeking to raise $400,000 to design, construct, and install a lasting tribute that will recognize women who have proudly served in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis mission is deeply personal to many Cape Coral women veterans and all of Southwest Florida\u2019s women veterans,\u201d said Sisters in Arms of Cape Coral President Lisa Arnold. \u201cWe have all often imagined a young girl visiting the Eco Preserve years from now. She sees a bronze woman standing proudly with the American Flag and asks, \u2018Who is she?\u2019 Her parents tell her she represents the millions of women who have served our country with courage and honor. In that moment, she realizes something she may have never considered before \u2014 women have always served. She doesn\u2019t just see history \u2014 she sees possibility. She sees courage. She sees leadership. She sees herself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arnold said there are approximately 25,000 female veterans in Southwest Florida according to the most recent Census.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sisters in Arms of Cape Coral, Inc. was founded in May of 2026, and was formed by a group of women veterans from the American Legion Post 90 in Cape Coral. \u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition to Arnold, the organization consists of four directors, a secretary, and a financial officer \u2014 with the entire organization hosting about 45 members. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur primary mission is to serve as the voice of female veterans, and to advocate for VA healthcare needs while educating and serving the community to ensure support and recognition for all women who have served,\u201d Arnold said.\u00a0\u201cHowever, after realizing there is nothing in all of Cape Coral to recognize women and their service to our nation, we started to this endeavor to build the first-ever women veteran monument here in the Cape.\u00a0Yet, after much research, we then recognized that nothing exists in all of Southwest Florida, so that inspired us even more to complete this extraordinary project.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vision of Sisters in Arms is a life-sized bronze sculpture of a female service member standing proudly with the American Flag, in a place where veterans, families, visitors, and future generations can pause, reflect, and remember the extraordinary contributions women have made in defending the nation.<\/p>\n
The organization stated that donations will help fund the design and sculpting of the bronze monument, bronze casting and fabrication, the base of the monument and engraved features, site prep and installation, landscaping and accessibility improvements, as well as long-term preservation of the monument.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen have served our nation with honor, courage, and dedication throughout history, breaking barriers while proving their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty,\u201d Arnold said. \u201cFrom serving as nurses, pilots, intelligence specialists, and support personnel in earlier conflicts to leading troops and flying combat missions today, women have become an indispensable part of every branch of the U.S. military. Their service has strengthened our armed forces by bringing diverse perspectives, exceptional leadership, and unmatched determination to accomplish every mission. Today, women continue to serve in every military occupation, including combat roles, while inspiring future generations to answer the call to serve. Honoring the contributions of women veterans recognizes not only their sacrifices and achievements but also their enduring legacy in defending the freedoms we all enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arnold said the organization has met with the Cape Coral\u2019s Parks Department, which has identified a location for the monument at Four Mile Ecological Preserve, and has worked with the city\u2019s Art Department as they move through the process of obtaining an artist.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arnold said she also has met with the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral to build community awareness and support for the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If all goes well, Arnold hopes for an unveiling in 2028.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To make a tax deductible donation, checks can be made out to Sisters in Arms of Cape Coral, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 100054, Cape Coral, FL 33910.<\/p>\n
For more information or corporate donation information, email Arnold at\u00a0info@siaofcc.org<\/a>, or visit\u00a0gofundme.com<\/a>\u00a0and search \u201cSisters in Arms.\u201d<\/p>\n