Michigan has found a unique way to honor women veterans just as the nation celebrates Veterans Day week.
State officials unveiled a new license plate with a special commemoration for women veterans on Nov. 10 in Dearborn. Michigan becomes the 17th state to recognize women veterans with a special license plate.
The unveiling, at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, was part of a larger event to recognize a group of female veterans from southeastern Michigan.
The event at the library carried an electric buzz as local and state politicians, community members, and veterans decked out in their military uniforms, eagerly anticipating what the new license plate would look like.
State Sen. Sylvia Santana helped introduce a bipartisan bill (Senate Bill 788) to Michigan lawmakers in 2024 to propose adding the new license plate the Michigan Department of Transportation.
“It is only fitting that we honor them not just with words, but with meaningful gestures,” Santana said at the event.
What Does It Look Like?
When the white cover came off and a mock design of the license plate was revealed, the crowd broke out in cheers. With a blue and white design, it carries the state’s “Pure Michigan” slogan at the top, along with artwork depicting a woman veteran on the left side with the message: “HER SERVICE OUR FREEDOM.” At the bottom of the plate reads: WOMEN VETERAN.
“This license plate, as simple as it may seem, is another way that we can all do better to recognize the women veterans in our own communities,” Santana said.
Michigan boasts the 15th largest population of women veterans, with more than 46,000 residing in the “Great Lakes State,” according to Michigan Veterans Affairs.
Based on estimates, in the next 15 years, female veterans will make up more than 18 percent of the veteran population, a 14 percent increase nationally in the last 25 years. Women comprise the fastest-growing segment of the military.
“Yesterday, I had the honor of joining women veterans from across Michigan at the official unveiling of the new women veterans license plate. It was a privilege to hear their stories, each one a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice that define our armed forces,” Santana wrote on her Facebook page. “To all who have served, thank you. Your dedication to protecting our freedoms and values is deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.”
The event included a few comments from Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state and a 2026 Democratic candidate for governor. Benson’s husband, Ryan, served in the military.
While seeing the new license plate was special, several women veterans from southeast Michigan cities like Detroit, Allen Park, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights also received a well-deserved moment in the sun.
Lori Galloway, a 59-year-old Navy veteran from Allen Park, was among those honored. Galloway, who worked as a dental hygienist, served from 1985-1990. She left the Navy with a Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Unit.
“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 all the commitment and sacrifices that we all made while serving.”
Veterans and their families in Michigan can choose from 33 different customized license plates, from designs that honor Purple Heart veterans to Gold Star parents and others.
