FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — In honor of Women's History Month, local historical society chapters paid tribute to Civil War nurse and Fort Wayne native Helena Wolff at Lindenwood Cemetery on Saturday. "There are many women who are trailblazers in the medical field," Benita Steyer, Senior Presiden t of Children of the American Revolution, or C.A.R., Willian Berry Society, said. "Today, it would be nothing without [women like Wolff]." According to Steyer, Wolff served as a Union Army nurse in Midwest hospitals, including Cincinnati, Louisville and Nashville. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant honored her for her service. Wolff also got a citation of bravery for serving the wounded. C.A.R., Daughters of the American Revolution, or D.A.R., Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter, and Sons of the American Revolution Anthony Halberstadt Chapter hosted the ceremony. Historical society members, many dressed in historical attire, spoke of Civil War nurses' importance. "Women were thought to be too naïve and too delicate to be nurses," Steyer said. "There were a lot of horrors that they saw. Women had to be strong and fearless, and yet calm and steadfast. That's why they were known as 'Angels of the Battlefield.'" Fort Wayne 5th District City Councilman, Geoff Paddock, presented the City of Fort Wayne's proclamation declaring March 22, 2025 'Helena Wolff Day.' He said many women throughout history have not received the proper recognition for their work. Paddock commends the historical chapters for improving visibility of one historical woman laid to rest in the city's backyard. "We have so many heroines in the city that are buried [in Lindenwood Cemetery] that served us, that sacrificed for us," Paddock said. "They helped make America the great country that it is and Fort Wayne the great city that it is." The D.A.R. Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter is submitting Wolff's name for a Women in American History award. Wolff's gravesite is located in Lindenwood Cemetery at 2324 W Main St., Section P. ...read more read less