This panel will explore the role of first ladies in wartime. As our title suggests, their strength, courage, and support has been essential in sustaining the nation during these times of crisis, in their work and outreach to soldiers, veterans, and the American people as a whole. Our speakers will highlight such first ladies as Dolley Madison, Mary Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, Laura Bush, and Jill Biden. The panel will be introduced by FLARE Vice President Nancy Kegan Smith and moderated by Katherine Sibley, and include panelists Barbara Perry, Thomas Balcerski, and Anita McBride.