A woman veteran in Congress is again pushing to create a national day of recognition for women who have served their country in the Armed Forces and National Guard.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran and vice chair of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus, introduced a House resolution this week to establish June 12 as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day" to honor the 2 million veterans who make up more than 10 percent of the total veteran population. Women also now account for more than 17 percent of America's Armed Forces.
“Women have proudly served our nation since the Revolutionary War and now make up almost 20 percent of our Armed Forces,” said Sherrill, D-N.J. “Congress has made great strides in addressing the disparities in care, recognition and benefits that our women veterans receive, but there is more work to be done. Designating June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day will help bring attention to the unique needs of women veterans in the United States and to recognize their contributions to our country."
On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women to serve as regular members of the military. Several states already recognize June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day, but there is no national day of recognition.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.
“From serving as combat helicopter pilots in Afghanistan to disguising themselves as male soldiers during the American Revolution and Civil War, women veterans have made numerous contributions throughout our nation’s history and continue to do so today,” Booker said in a statement. “Designating June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day is a fitting way to honor and celebrate women veterans’ service and sacrifice.”
Sherrill introduced a similar resolution last year, but it failed to gain approval from both chambers.
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