Michigan Unveils First-Ever Women Veterans License Plate, Expanding National Recognition of Female Service Members

The “HER SERVICE OUR FREEDOM” plate debut positions Michigan as the 17th state to honor women veterans with an official designation as female veterans become the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. military.

Michigan Honors Women Veterans With New License Plate as Female Service Members Gain National Recognition

Just days before Veterans Day, Michigan took a major step to honor the growing community of female service members—unveiling a new Women Veterans License Plate during a ceremony on Nov. 10 in Dearborn. The move makes Michigan the 17th state to formally recognize women veterans through a dedicated state plate.

The unveiling at the Henry Ford Centennial Library drew state lawmakers, military families, community leaders, and dozens of female veterans from southeastern Michigan, giving the event the atmosphere of a milestone moment long overdue.

“It is only fitting that we honor them not just with words, but with meaningful gestures,” said State Sen. Sylvia Santana, who spearheaded the bipartisan Senate Bill 788 authorizing the new plate.

A Design Built for Recognition—and Respect

Anticipation filled the room as the plate remained hidden under a white covering. When the cloth finally lifted, the audience erupted in cheers.

The design features:

• Blue and white color scheme
• Michigan’s iconic Pure Michigan branding at the top
• Artwork of a woman veteran on the left side
• A bold message: “HER SERVICE OUR FREEDOM”
• A bottom banner reading: WOMEN VETERAN

“This license plate, as simple as it may seem, is another way we can do better to recognize the women veterans in our communities,” Santana said.

A Growing Force in the U.S. Military

State Sen. Sylvia Santana spoke at the event to honor women’s veterans
in southeastern Michigan on Nov. 10. (Photo courtesy of Sylvia Santana’s Facebook page)

Michigan is home to more than 46,000 women veterans, the 15th-largest population of female veterans in the country. Nationally, women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population.

According to long-range projections:

• Women will make up over 18% of U.S. veterans within the next 15 years
• That reflects a 14% increase over the past quarter century
• Growth is driven by increased representation across every branch—including combat, logistics, intelligence, cyber, and aviation roles

At the unveiling, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, joined veterans in celebrating the milestone. Benson’s husband, Ryan, is a military veteran.

Voices From Michigan’s Women Veterans Community

The ceremony also honored women veterans from Detroit, Dearborn, Allen Park, and surrounding cities—each with a story of service.

Lori Galloway was one of several women veterans highlighted at the event (Sylvia Santana Facebook).

Among them was Lori Galloway, a 59-year-old Navy veteran from Allen Park who served from 1985 to 1990 as a dental hygienist. She left the Navy with a Good Conduct Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

“I am truly grateful to represent women veterans in Michigan who have served this great country with dignity and respect,” Galloway said. “This new program gives us a way to display the commitment and sacrifices we made while serving.”

Sen. Santana echoed that sentiment in a statement on social media:

“It was a privilege to hear their stories—each one a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice that define our armed forces. To all who have served, thank you.”

A New Addition to Michigan’s Expanded Veterans Plate Program

With the introduction of the Women Veterans Plate, Michigan now offers 33 specialty plates honoring service members, military families, and the fallen—including:

• Purple Heart recipients
• Gold Star families
• Medal of Honor veterans
• Operation-specific veterans

The new design is expected to increase visibility for women veterans whose service contributions have historically been overlooked or underrecognized.

A Symbol of Service—and a Step Forward

Michigan is one of 17 states that have plates that
recognize women veterans (Sylvia Santana Facebook).

The unveiling serves as both a symbolic and practical advancement for women veterans, aligning with broader national efforts to increase recognition, benefits access, and representation.

With female veterans set to play an increasingly central role in the defense workforce, Michigan’s new license plate signals a commitment to honoring their legacy—and their future.

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-- By James A. Wright

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