Women Veterans Day is observed on June 12 in the United States, a date chosen to mark the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. The date is not recognized nationally, but is recognized by a number of states, either through legislation or proclamation, and organizations. The stated goal of Women Veterans Day varies somewhat by state, but can generally be acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they have faced. The date was first recognized when the New York State Assembly declared June 12, 2008 to be Women Veterans’ Recognition Day.
National Recognition
While Women Veterans Day is currently only a state recognized commemoration, there is an effort to have the day recognized at a national level. U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey introduced a resolution in both 2019 and 2020 to have June 12th officially recognized as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day." The purpose of the resolution is to address "the disparities in care, recognition and benefits that our women veterans receive" and to "highlight the growing presence of women in the Armed Forces and the National Guard; and pay respect to women veterans for their dutiful military service." In 2020, Senator Cory Booker submitted a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.
State Recognition
California: Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 33 was filed with on June 23, 2015 and designated June 12, 2015 as Woman Veterans Day. The bill's goal was to "urge all citizens to join in celebrating the many contributions of women to our military forces."
Indiana: First recognized June 12th as Women Veterans Day in 2020.
Michigan: Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June 12th as Women Veterans Recognition Day in 2019 in response to a Senate resolution.
New Jersey: In 2019, the acting Governor of New Jersy, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, signed legislation to designate the annual regconition of June 12th as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day."
New York: The State Assembly declared June 12, 2008 Women Veterans’ Recognition Day. Section 168-A of New York State law designates that Women Veterans Recognition Day will be recognized every year on June 12th.
Ohio: Senators, Sandra Williams and Frank Hoagland, both U.S. military veterans, introduced a bill in 2019 to designate June 12 as Woman Veterans Day. Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on December 13, 2019 and the Ohio first celebrated the holiday on June 12, 2020.
South Carolina: On June 12, 2019, South Carolina First Lady Peggy McMaster publicly read a proclamation declaring that the state recognized the day as Women Veterans Day, and Governor Henry McMaster issued another proclamation in 2020.
Texas: State Representative Victoria Neave introduced House Bill 2698, which called for the designation of June 12th as Women Veterans Day. Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law on June 9, 2017.
Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker signed a proclamation declaring June 12th, 2018 Women Veterans Day and Governor Tony Evers continues to sign such proclamations through June 2020.
