THE HELLO GIRLS

This documentary features rare 100-year old film footage of America's first female soldiers courtesy of the National Archives and never-before-seen photos from family archives. Oleda Ruth Joure Christides, a local resident of Marine City, was one of 223 women known as The Hello Girls in World War One.

In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France as telephone operators to help win the Great War. They swore Army oaths, wore uniforms, held rank, and were subject to military justice. By war's end, they had connected over 26 million calls and were recognized by General John J. Pershing for their service. When they returned home, the U.S. government told them they were never soldiers. For 60 years, they fought their own government for recognition. In 1977, with the help of Sen. Barry Goldwater and Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, they won. Unfortunately, only a handful were still alive.

Seats are limited to 48.

DIRECTED BY:  JAMES THERES

https://www.pbs.org/video/jim-theres-the-hello-girls-rwzl4e/