Legislation Document

WHEREAS, Women Veterans Recognition Day is recognized as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes the unique challenges women have faced; and

WHEREAS, women have formally served in the United States Armed Forces since the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, though they have informally contributed since the founding of our nation’s military, and all military career fields were officially opened to women in 2016; and

WHEREAS, women have proudly served their country throughout all periods of the history of the United States disguising themselves as male soldiers during the American Revolutionary War and Civil War, serving as nurses in both World Wars, flying combat helicopters in Afghanistan, and serving in countless other capacities; and

WHEREAS, Congress established the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in May 1942, and in 1943, the Navy launched the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), a component of the U.S. Naval Reserve that granted women equal pay, benefits, and rank; and

WHEREAS, in September 1942 during World War II, the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) was formed and based out of New Castle Army Air Base, becoming the first women to fly U.S. Military Aircraft which eventually became a part of the 1943 Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs); and

WHEREAS, on June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, granting women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of all branches of the Armed Forces, landmark legislation that, 77 years later in 2025, continues to shape the role of women in military service; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, the 6888 ^th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was the only all-black, all-female Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit to be deployed overseas with four Delaware women who served in this unit; and

WHEREAS, in 1979, Delawarean Hazel Johnson-Brown became the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps and the first African American woman to achieve the rank of General in the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, more than 9,000 women have earned the Combat Action Badges; and

WHEREAS, the bridge connecting Dover Air Force Base and its housing area is dedicated to Senior Airwoman Elizabeth Loncki, who, after completing 194 missions and disarming 129 explosive devices, has the sad distinction of being the first woman to die in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS, today, there are over two million women Veterans in the United States and of those, over 7,000 reside in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, though not officially recognized for many years, women have served in America’s wars throughout our history, demonstrating unwavering commitment, resilience, and courage in defending our nation; and

WHEREAS, it is Delaware’s duty to honor the memory of our dedicated servicewomen who never returned home, having made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our nation and its way of life; and

WHEREAS, despite their dedicated service, many women veterans face unique post-service challenges including higher rates of homelessness, unequal access to healthcare, and lack of recognition making Women Veterans Recognition Day an important step toward honoring their sacrifice and addressing these issues with the commitment they deserve; and

WHEREAS, the continued acknowledgment, support, and empowerment of women veterans is essential to honoring their legacy and ensuring that future generations of servicewomen are met with equality, dignity, and opportunity.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that June 12, 2025, is hereby proclaimed “Women Veterans Recognition Day” in the State of Delaware.

SPONSOR:	Sen. Pettyjohn & Rep. Harris
Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Carson, Collins, Phillips, D. Short, Yearick