WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced a resolution designating June 12, 2019 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day. The resolution seeks to honor the women who have served in the Armed Forces both on and off the battlefield. 

“From the Hello Girls, who served as communications operators in World War I, to the women that disguised themselves as male soldiers to fight in the American Revolution and Civil War, women have played an integral role in the efforts and achievements of the United States Military,” said Senator Blackburn. “Women Veterans Appreciation Day honors the valor of those who have protected and defended this country, whether that be in combat or in a service support role. Thank you to the nearly two million female veterans who have so honorably worked to secure and defend our freedom.”

While women have formally been part of the United States Armed Forces since the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, women have served informally since the inception of the United States Armed Forces. 

As of May 2019, women constitute approximately 15 percent of active duty personnel. By 2020, the female veteran population is expected to reach two million, up from 1.1 million in 1980.

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On January 25, 2019, Senators Blackburn and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the women who served as telephone operators in World War I with the Congressional Gold Medal.
On February 11, 2019, Senators Blackburn and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) introduced a resolution to honor Captain Rosemary Mariner, the Navy’s first female fighter pilot.