Day celebrates the 1948 signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
In more than 20 states, June 12 is designated as Women Veterans Recognition Day. It commemorates the June 12, 1948, signing into law by President Harry S. Truman of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The day is set aside to thank to all women who have served in the U.S. military.
Women Veterans Recognition Day commemorations are scheduled both on the national and local. At Arlington National Cemetery, the Military Women's Memorial has scheduled a ceremony that is sold for in-person tickets but will be streamed live. The National Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration will include the unveiling of the memorial’s new exhibit – "Women of Valor: 250 Years of Women Serving Our Nation” – while celebrating the service, sacrifice, courage and contributions of the women who helped build, defend and strengthen America.
Ret. U.S. Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, is the ceremony’s distinguished guest speaker, while additional remarks will be given by Kate Andersen Brower, co-author of “We the Women”.
Learn more and register to watch the ceremony online here.
In Wildwood, N.J., the American Legion Department of New Jersey will honor women Legionnaires during its department convention at the Wildwoods Convention Center. On June 12, the department is conducting a State of New Jersey Medal Ceremony to honor women veterans. Invited guests include Gov. Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays.
And in Apache Junction, Ariz., Apache Post 27 is hosting its first Women Veterans Day Recognition event on June 12. In addition to a free pasta dinner, women veteran-themed trivia and door prizes, the event also will include staff from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services on hand to share resources and available services.
Check out some other Women Veterans Recognition Day events going on across the country, including some conducted by American Legion Family members. And don’t forget to share stories and photos from your similar events at www.legiontown.org in the Women Veterans section.
Arizona
In Solomon, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 95 will host a Women Veterans Recognition Luncheon on June 20 to honor women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The luncheon is open to women veterans throughout the Gila Valley and San Carlos areas and is intended to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifices made by women veterans across the region.
California
In Stockton on June 12, Warrioress League 209 is conducting its first Women Veterans & Military Service Members Summit. The event is open to women veterans and servicemembers, their families and caregivers, and community leaders and advocates. The event will provide education, empowerment and celebration.
This inaugural event is held in recognition of Women Veterans Recognition Day, commemorating the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which granted women the right to serve as permanent members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Louisiana
In Opelousas at the St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial, women veterans are invited to attend a Women Veterans Day Recognition event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to share their military journeys, tell their stories and connect with fellow veterans.
New Mexico
· In Roswell, American Legion Post 28 is inviting women veterans to a June 12 event to honor their service. The evening will include a luau-themed potluck dinner.
· In Albuquerque, American Legion Post 99 will honor women veterans on June 12 with a program that will include an opening ceremony, a free dinner for women veterans, music, door prizes and gift bags to the first 100 women veterans.
Pennsylvania
In Altoona, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is hosting a Women Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony on June 12 at The Wall That Heals, which is situated on the medical center grounds. The event is dedicated to honoring the strength, service and sacrifices of women veterans.
Tennessee
· On June 12, the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will host a Women Veterans Recognition Day Resource Fair at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, and a Women Veterans Recognition Day Quilt of Valor presentation and Women Veterans Clay Art Workshop at the Chattanooga VA Clinic.
· In Nashville, Women Veterans of America’s Music City Chapter 20 is hosting a Women Veterans Appreciation Day, From Combat Boots to High Heels at American Legion Post 88. The event is a celebration honoring women who have served the nation, past and present.
- Honor & Remembrance