SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Soria introduced House Resolution (HR) 44 in the Assembly in honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day.
HR 44 proclaims June 12, 2023 as Women Veterans Recognition Day and marks the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
“Women play a growing role in the US military. We must continue to honor them as a key part of our national defense,” said Assemblywoman Soria.
The resolution recognizes women veterans and their dedicated service to the U.S. military in the past, present, and future. Since the American Revolution, women have served in every major U.S. conflict, as pilots, nurses, senior officers, and much more. It wasn’t until June 12th, 1948, however, that the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law, allowing women to serve as permanent, regular members in all four branches of the military. The passage of this law served as a historical stride in women receiving the recognition they deserved for their ongoing military service. Decades later, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many contributions made by women in the military were formally recognized through laws that granted these women with veteran status, opening the door for access to benefits and programs from the federal and state government and veteran service organizations.
Women are the fastest growing group in the veteran population, and account for approximately 10% of the overall veteran population today. It is projected that women will make up 18% of the veteran population by 2040. Women continue to play a critical role in our military. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran’s Affairs, Assemblywoman Soria looks forward to continuing to prioritize the needs of our women in military.
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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.