Celebrating Women Veterans Day

Tonight we mark Women Veterans Day, which is observed annually on June 12 to commemorate the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law by President Truman in 1948. This act allowed women to serve permanently in the regular armed forces. 

To help us honor this anniversary, we invite playwright Ash Singer, whose recent documentary theater play, ​In Their Footsteps brings to life the true stories of five American women—two military officers and three civilian volunteers—who served during the Vietnam War. Joining Ash will be Ann Kelsey, whose story is dramatized in the play, along with other women featured.

Developed from in-depth oral histories, the script captures their poignant, humorous, and harrowing experiences, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime. ​The performance immerses audiences in the personal narratives of Ann Kelsey, Judy Jenkins Gaudino, Doris “Lucki” Allen, Jeanne “Sam” Christie, and Lily Adams. Through innovative staging and modular set pieces that transform into various wartime settings—such as bunkers, rooftops, and military vehicles—the play delves into themes of service, resilience, and the psychological toll of war, including issues like sexual harassment and PTSD. ​

Since its initial workshop in New York City in 2017, In Their Footsteps has had an impressive run:​

2018: Featured in the East to Edinburgh Festival at 59E59 Theaters in NYC and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

2019: Performed at the BorderLight International Fringe Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, and at the Women’s Overseas Service League annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.

2020–2021: Adapted into a Zoom production and a radio play in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its reach to schools and veteran organizations.

2021: Presented at the OnStage! Festival in Milan and Rome, Italy.​

The production is set to return in Fall 2025 with a new run at the Bronx Music Hall, offering an even more immersive experience. Plans are also underway for a 2025–26 tour of New York City schools and a multi-city U.S. tour, aiming to engage diverse audiences through performances, discussions, and educational workshops. ​

In 2020, IVP collaborated with WLIW-FM to produce a radio adaptation of In Their Footsteps, which premiered on NPR station 88.3 WLIW-FM Long Island. This adaptation, titled “Revisiting ‘In Their Footsteps’ in Honor of Dr. ‘Lucki’ Allen,” earned a 2025 Gracie Award for Excellence in Radio Programming. The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, honor exemplary programming created by, for, and about women.The radio play features authentic soundscapes and the voices of the original women, providing listeners with an intimate and powerful portrayal of their experiences. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of these women’s stories and the importance of preserving their legacy through various media. ​

For more information or to listen to the radio play, visit WLIW-FM’s website.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!