Sherrill Introduces Resolution to Designate Women Veterans Appreciation Day

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Vice Chair of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution designating Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans who have served valiantly on behalf of the United States. Representative Sherrill’s resolution is a companion to S.Res. 235, introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“From Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth, to the WASPs of WWII, to the women currently in the field, women have proudly served our nation since its founding,” said Representative Sherrill. “Yet too often, female veterans do not seek care at the VA or even identify themselves as former servicewomen. Recognizing Women Veterans Appreciation Day follows the efforts of states around the country to engage with and advocate for our women veterans. I’m proud to join with Senators Booker and Blackburn to bring this effort to the national level.”

“I am so honored and privileged to be part of the grassroots movement lead by Catholic Charities and the NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders that saw the need for a Women Veterans Stakeholder Group,” said Lucy Del Gaudio, U.S. Army Veteran, Veteran Advocate, and member of the NJ SOS Women Stakeholders. “Women Veterans Appreciation Day gives us the opportunity to create a day where we can have a voice for issues that we as women veterans face that are uniquely different to those of our brothers in arms. We can recognize the fight, strength, resilience but more so, the diversity and inclusiveness women have brought and continue to bring to the military.”

“As a woman veteran, I am so proud to see this resolution move forward in the House and Senate,” said Gina Pollut, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Catholic Charities Veterans Services Outreach and member of the NJ SOS Women Stakeholders. “Women represent a growing percentage of the armed forces, up to 15 percent this year, and are and have been fierce defenders of our country. However, female veterans have unique issues that they face, from higher rates of sexual trauma, and suicide, to nonexistent gender specific housing for female veterans with families in NJ. We need to make sure we’re providing quality care for them and recognizing their contributions. I think the introduction of this resolution is a huge step forward for our women veterans to finally be seen! Today is a great day for us and I look forward to celebrating with my sisters in arms!”

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women to serve as regular members of the military. Several states currently recognize June 12th as Women Veterans Appreciation Day, including New Jersey. Sherrill and Booker’s resolutions mirror the New Jersey Women Veterans Appreciation Day resolution signed into law by Acting Governor Sheila Oliver earlier this morning in Newark.

###