MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill this morning establishing today as Women Veterans Recognition Day. June 12th is the 75th anniversary of women being allowed to serve as equal members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Women veterans in Marquette say the day is important to highlight the work of women who endured so much during their time in the military. Rosemarie Sundberg, or Sunny, is an Ishpeming native who served in the U.S. Navy in the 70s, she says it’s important to recognize the work of military women so they stay involved.
“I think its something that’s well deserved,” Says Sunny, “We the women, we’re known as mother takers or caregivers and with everybody being in the military, you need some women out there to help straighten things out.”
Sherri Stewart, activities and therapy aid at The Jacobetti is also a veteran. She says, being able to continue to serve by helping veterans at The Jacobetti is a dream job for her, and that finally having a day to celebrate women in the military shows how much progress has been made.
“As women, serving our country, we can be recognized.” Stewart says, “It’s a day that we have come so far, so far, and I think it’s well deserving of us females because a lot of us were told we can’t do it.”
Governor Whitmer says the day is being declared to memorialize the signing of the women’s armed services integration act, and to honor the estimated 44,000 living female veterans in Michigan.
