Assembly Salutes 63,000 Female Vets
To commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948-which ensured that women would have a permanent place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps-Assemblyman Mike Miller announced the Assembly passed a resolution which declared last Tuesday, June 12, as “Women Veterans Recognition Day.”
In doing so, the resolution (K.1508) honored the over 63,800 female veterans from the state of New York.
“Whether flying planes, determining strategy, tending to wounded soldiers on a far-off battlefield or under fire in the heat of battle, women have been instrumental in our military’s history,” Miller said. “The Assembly resolution recognizes their tremendous role in keeping our country safe.”
The Women’s Armed Services Act was signed into law by then- President Harry Truman and is the cornerstone for policies and regulations affecting women. Since 2001, more than 200,000 women have served in the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, Miller said.
“Women veterans from New York have made countless contributions and tremendous sacrifices during times of war,” Miller said. “Their remarkable bravery, patriotism and strength continue to be an inspiration to us all, and for that, it’s important that we recognize all that they have done to keep our families safe.”
From 1973 to 2010, the number of active-duty enlisted women in the armed forces has grown from about 42,000 to 167,000; the percentage of women among the enlisted ranks has increased seven-fold, from two percent to 14 percent; and their share among commissioned officers has quadrupled, from four percent to 16 percent, Miller stated.
“I’d like to commend all the women veterans for their service and personally thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices they’ve made to defend our country and preserve our freedom,” Miller concluded.
