MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Although women have served since the Revolutionary War, their contributions have often been overlooked. National Women’s Veterans Day seeks to change that by recognizing their vital role in defending our country and highlighting the unique challenges they continue to face. One urgent issue is recruiting new members for veterans groups.
‘Females need to join more of our veteran organizations and get out there, how important females are when we were active duty, military,” said veteran Tracey Tippett
The day commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by President Truman on June 12, 1948, a historic moment that granted women permanent status in the regular Armed Forces. The woman vets I spoke to believe a woman can make the same contributions as a man
“If the female is qualified to do the job and they can do it without requirements being reduced for them to do the job, then let them do the job,” said Tippett.
It’s not a separate Veterans Day, but a specific date set aside to honor women’s military service and to raise awareness about issues like gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and the lack of women-focused veteran resources. Retired Major Susan Holliday recalls one troubling story.
This old Major said, Well, we need to give men time to work with women in leadership roles. And it’s like, well, don’t they have mothers?” said Holliday.
By honoring the trailblazers of the past and supporting today’s women veterans, National Women’s Veterans Day inspires future generations to serve and to advocate for equality.