Arkansas celebrates Women Veterans Recognition Day

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Women’s Armed Service Integration Act was signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, and this coming Monday is the 75th anniversary of that event.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only female nurses were permitted to serve in the regular and reserve troops during peacetime before the bill was put into law.

“All other women were sent home after each conflict,” the VA said in an article dispelling the myths of the commemoration. “The signing of the Act deemed women essential to the war efforts and allowed them to serve in the regular armed forces full time.”

According to the VA, women have always fought in America’s numerous wars; in certain cases, they were even required to pose as men.

Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas stated in his weekly column that he was honored to cosponsor a Senate resolution designating June 12, 2023, as Women Veterans Appreciation Day.

“Women have always played an integral part in defending our nation in times of peace and war,” Boozman said. “This anniversary is a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work we must build on to support women in uniform as well as those no longer in military service.”

Boozman promised to keep pushing for legislation that gives women the “honor, recognition, and benefits they earned.”

Female veterans were praised for their service by Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

“Today on #WomensVeteransDay, we honor all women veterans of Arkansas and across the nation who answered the call to serve our country and continue to inspire future generations of service members,” Westerman tweeted.