House Passes Resolution Honoring Women Soldiers and Veterans

On May 20, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Res. 1054) honoring the service and achievements of women in the armed forces and female veterans.

Sponsored by Rep. Susan A. Davis (D-CA), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

•  more than 600,000 women have served overseas in armed conflicts since World War I;
•  more than 185,000 women have been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other missions since 2001;
•  over 350 women have died in combat zones;
•  more than 85 women have been held as prisoners of war since World War I;
•  over 350,000 women serve in the armed forces, making up approximately 15 percent of active duty personnel, 15 percent of Reserves, and 17 percent of the National Guard and;
•  women of America’s military, past and present, have served their nation in times of peace and war, at great personal sacrifice for both themselves and their families.The resolution recognizes all women who have voluntarily served in military conflicts since the Revolutionary War and “honors and recognizes the service and achievements of current and former female members of the armed forces; encourages all people in the United States to recognize the service and achievements of women in the military and female veterans on Memorial Day; encourages all people in the United States to learn about the history of service and achievements of women in the military; and supports groups that raise awareness about the service and achievements of women in the military and female veterans through exhibitions, museums, statutes, and other programs and activities.”

  Rep. Davis, speaking in support of her bill, stated, “As Memorial Day approaches, we should recognize that our servicewomen play an increasingly important role in America’s military forces.” She added, “the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues [hosted] its annual ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor our nation’s servicewomen and women veterans and to remember women who have died while on duty serving the United States. As chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus Task Force on Women in the Military and Veterans, I’m privileged to honor the legacy of servicewomen in the past, the courage with which women serve today, and the enthusiasm inherent in the young women who dream of serving this great nation in the future…We should never fail to remember the sacrifices our servicewomen and their families make to keep our families safe. This resolution honors the service and achievements of women in the military and women veterans and encourages all people in the United States to do the same and to learn more about these wonderful accomplishments.”

  Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) added, “Throughout this great nation’s history, women have answered the call without hesitation to defend our democracy and freedom. It is without question that our military forces are unsurpassed. It is also undeniable that women have played a significant role in developing the extraordinarily capable military we are so proud of today. I join [Rep. Davis] and all of my colleagues to celebrate the courageous women of our armed forces who serve today and who have served in the past. Their indomitable spirit and powerful sense of patriotism guarantee our freedom now and for generations to come.”