Rep. Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., introduced a resolution Thursday to designate June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day, honoring generations of women who have served in the U.S. armed forces since the Revolutionary War, The Center Square reported.
Foushee selected June 12 to align with President Harry S. Truman's 1948 signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. That landmark legislation permanently granted women the right to serve in the regular armed forces outside of wartime, VA News reported.
The proposed day "honors the extraordinary women veterans throughout American history who have answered the call to serve with unmatched bravery, resilience, and leadership," according to a press release from Foushee's office.
In her resolution, Foushee cited "trailblazing women," including Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, Mary Edwards Walker, Loretta Perfectus Walsh, Lt. Elsie S. Ott, Jeannie Marie Leavitt, Capt. Kathleen McGrath, Col. Linda McTague, Simone Askew, and the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
Women Veterans Recognition Day is not intended as a "separate" Veterans Day for women. Rather, it would commemorate women's ongoing impact and achievements in military service. According to VA News, the day marks the importance of the 1948 act, which opened the door for women to serve full-time and marked a significant step toward gender equality in the military.
Historically, women have played essential roles in U.S. military efforts, VA News reported.
During the Revolutionary War, some disguised themselves as men to fight. More than 400 women fought in the Civil War. In World War I, 35,000 women served, including the "Hello Girls," who were part of the Signal Corps. During World War II, 350,000 women filled critical roles in intelligence, nursing, cryptography, and aviation.
One prominent unit formed in 1943, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASPs, logged more than 60 million flight miles. Meanwhile, the 6888th Battalion, also called The Six Triple Eight, became the first all-Black Women's Army Corps unit to serve overseas, clearing a massive mail backlog in record time. The members of the unit received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022.
Since 2008, June 12 has been recognized as Women Veterans Recognition Day in several states, beginning with New York. In 2025, at least 22 states and territories — including California, Florida, Illinois, and the Virgin Islands — are observing the date.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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