We are reminded every day that our nation’s freedom and justice is fought for and secured by the heroes of our military. It is the character of many individuals who display an indomitable American Spirit, the one that represents sacrifice, opportunity, and equality; who have committed to making this nation great.

It is this team, of both men and women, which makes the Army great. In honor of Women’s History Month, we honor the remarkable contributions women have played in helping win our nation’s wars.

Throughout history, women have redefined their roles, demonstrating competence, character and commitment in all facets of the profession of arms. In our Army, women paved a road that expanded their roles from volunteering to nurse the wounded during the Revolutionary War, to Mary Galloway at Antietam, Women in the World War I Signal Corps, on to the Woman’s Auxiliary Corps in World War II, through to our female Soldier’s deployed on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trailblazers, such as Maj. Lisa Jaster, Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver became the first three women to successfully complete the U.S. Army Ranger School; Brig. Gen. Diana M. Holland became the first female Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; and Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody becoming our first female, four star general.

We continue our progress toward equality and shaping our Army. On Dec. 3, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter directed the full integration of women in the armed forces and said, “This means that as long as they qualify and meet standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before. They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars and lead infantry Soldiers into combat.”

By observing this year’s theme of “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government,” we acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of military women from the past and anticipate the influence they will make into the future. Through their willingness to train and fight, they have proven themselves as invaluable assets to the greatest fighting force in the world.

It has never come easy.

The courage, persistence and successes of women are some of the stories that will be weaved into our American history and the fabric of this great and grateful nation.