Sen. Paul Honig, co-chair of the legislature’s Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, led passage Tuesday of a bill to designate June 12 of each year as National Women Veterans Recognition Day in Connecticut, to recognize the significant contributions of women who served in the United States armed forces.
Senate Bill 721, “An Act Designating National Women Veterans Recognition Day,” passed the Senate on a unanimous vote Tuesday afternoon and will now move to the House for consideration.
“For generations, women have worn our nation’s uniform with honor—often without the recognition they earned,” Senator Honig, D-Harwinton, said. “This bill seeks to finally give these veterans the respect and visibility they’ve always deserved. I’m proud to help ensure that Connecticut honors the strength and service of our women veterans.”
Women Veterans Recognition Day was first commemorated by the New York State Assembly in 2008 to mark the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1948. This law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces. Prior to its passage, women were restricted to serving as nurses during peacetime and all other women were sent home at the conclusion of each conflict.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, states and territories that observe Women Veterans Recognition Day include Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virgin Islands, and Wisconsin.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov