Diane Carlson Evans: Advocate for Military Women and Vietnam Women’s Memorial

Diane Carlson Evans, a former Army nurse, dedicated years to championing military women. She passed away due to a rare cancer linked to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War.

Evans is well remembered for her pivotal role in the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Unveiled in 1993, this monument stands as a testament to the women who served during the Vietnam War. Despite the project’s initial simplicity, Evans faced a formidable challenge. What she believed would take no more than two years eventually spanned nearly a decade.

Evans’s efforts included extensive public speaking, tireless fundraising, and grassroots campaigning. Her mission was to persuade governmental bodies and a public that was often skeptical or indifferent to the cause. Her determination and persistence turned the vision of the memorial into a reality, ensuring that the contributions of military women were recognized.

“It was a simple idea,” Evans said, reflecting on the long journey to see the memorial come to fruition.