Governor Ivey Proclaims Women Veterans Recognition Day

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed June 12th as Women Veterans Recognition Day.

In a Proclamation signed March 21st and released Monday, the Governor noted that 2025 will mark the 77th anniversary of the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948.

The Act was passed “To establish the Women’s Army Corps in the Regular Army, to authorize the enlistment and appointment of women in the Regular Air Force, Regular Navy and Marine Corps, and in the Reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and for other purposes,” and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

Prior to passage of the Act, only women nurses were allowed to serve in peacetime. Other women who served in wartime were expected to step away from the services and return to civilian life. Despite having served with distinction during World War II in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), WAVES (Navy) and SPARS (Coast Guard), those women who served in auxiliary roles weren’t considered veterans or given benefits.

The full text of Governor Ivey’s Proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, the observance of Women Veterans Recognition Day is celebrated each year on June 12th in recognition of the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signing; and

WHEREAS, 2025 marks the 77th anniversary of this groundbreaking legislation for America’s military women, granting them a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the nations military; and

WHEREAS the first Women Veterans Recognition Day was held on June 12, 2018, marking the 71st anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S Truman on June 12, 1948; and

WHEREAS, this historic law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and the recently formed Space Force, thus paving the way for countless women to contribute significantly to our nations, defense and security;

WHEREAS, recognizing Women Veterans Recognition Day acknowledges the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of women veterans who have served in various capacities and often overcome significant challenges to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy;

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the legacy and service of women veterans, and to inspire future generations to acknowledge and celebrate their role in our military history;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, so hereby proclaim June 12th, 2025, as Women Veterans Recognition Day.