Commemorating the 64th anniversary of the Women’s
Armed Services Act of 1948, which ensured that women would have a permanent
place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, Assemblywoman Russell (D-Theresa)
announced the Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 12, 2012 , as “Women Veterans
Recognition Day” (K.1508). Today, New York
proudly honors the over 63,800 women veterans from the state of New
York .[1]
“The North
Country is home to countless women veterans, and I am proud to call them my
neighbors. They have selflessly served on our behalf and their sacrifices will
not go unappreciated,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The Assembly resolution
recognizes their tremendous role in keeping our country safe.”
The Women’s
Armed Services Act was signed into law by then-President Harry Truman and is
the cornerstone for policies and regulations affecting women. Since 2001, more
than 200,000 women have served in the U.S.
military in Iraq
and Afghanistan .
From 1973
to 2010, the number of active-duty enlisted women in the armed forces has grown
from about 42,000 to 167,000; the percentage of women among the enlisted ranks
has increased seven-fold, from 2 percent to 14 percent; and their share among
commissioned officers has quadrupled, from 4 percent to 16 percent.
“I’d like
to commend all the women veterans for their service and personally thank them
for their dedication and the sacrifices they’ve made to defend our country and
preserve our freedom,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
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