WOMEN VETERANS DAY: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE UNIQUE CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTING FEMALE SERVICE MEMBERS
Women Veterans are sometimes not recognized for their service the way their male counterparts are. Because of this, 13 states have created a day, June 12th, to acknowledge the service of women Veterans. The goal of the holiday is to help bring light to the stories and history of women who have served.
Known as both Women’s Veterans Day and Women Veteran Recognition Day, the day is meant to highlight women, and the signing of the Women Armed Forces Integration Act. However, the day has brought about significant controversy. Surprisingly, most of the push back for a separate day has come from women, but there are plenty of supporters for a separate day to celebrate women Veterans as well. Below, we are taking a closer look at the origin of the day, why some are for or against the day, and are highlighting some useful resources for female Veterans.
The History Behind the Creation of Women Veterans Day
Women’s Veterans Day began in the state of New York in 2008. It was originally called Women Veteran Recognition Day.
The date, June 12th, was picked by the New York State Assembly because that is the day women were formerly allowed to serve in the U.S. military, when the Women Armed Forces Integration Act was signed on June 12, 1948.
Before 1948, women were only able to serve during times of war, and were not considered regular members of the U.S. military. This sometimes prevented women from receiving Veteran status and their earned benefits. June 12, 1948 changed everything for women in the military, as the law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy.
While the Integration Act provided new opportunities to women, it wasn’t perfect. Limitations were put on where women could serve and how many women could serve at the highest rank for each branch. However, it opened the door for women to serve..
Ultimately, the act provided a way to continue service after the end of World War II, allowing women to become regular members of the U.S. military.
A Brief History of Women in the Military
The history of women serving in the military dates back to the Revolutionary War, where women like Deborah Sampson dressed up like a man and served. She was discovered by a physician after getting shot during combat.
Then during the Civil War, more than 400 women fought for both the Union and Confederate armies as spies, nurses, cooks, and more.
The role of women continued to expand with about 35,000 women serving during World War I. Women served as nurses, and a group known as the Hello Girls were telephone operators during WWI.
Then, during World War II, the role of women expanded even further. 350,000 women served in the U.S. military under special designation. They served as secretaries, nurses, and other support roles. Women also served as pilots, training men, ferring aircraft, and flying targets.
The 6888th, an all black female battalion, was sent overseas to sort mail that had been piling up in Europe. They are credited with solving the mail crisis in England. Women also worked in various roles in the Office of Strategic Support (predecessor to the CIA) as cryptographers, spies, and psyops.
Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebrations
Today, 13 states (Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virgin Islands, and Wisconsin) have a day recognizing women Veterans on June 12th.
In 2019 and 2020, resolutions were initiated in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for Women Veterans Appreciation Day.
The purpose of the resolution was to address, "the disparities in care, recognition, and benefits that our women Veterans receive" and to "highlight the growing presence of women in the Armed Forces and the National Guard; and pay respect to women veterans for their dutiful military service."
This year, the Military Women’s Memorial is hosting a recognition day celebration on June 12th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. They will be celebrating the 77th anniversary of the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. During this event, the 2025 Senator Margaret Chase Smith Leadership Award will be presented to the first three military women accepted as astronaut candidates: Eileen Collins, Nancy Currie, and Susan Helms.
Some Women Vets are Opposed to Having a Separate Veterans Day
Some women Veterans have voiced their opposition to having a separate day to celebrate women Veterans. With many saying that they see it as unnecessary. There already is a day to recognize Veterans. It is on November 11th, Veterans Day.
When asked about her view on the holiday, Navy Veteran Tracy Backhimer said, "A Veteran is a Veteran. Recognizing women’s contributions is great and was necessary for a long time but it’s time to normalize it. We are Veterans. Period. Dot.”
Others believe that when we highlight certain groups it leads to more harm than good. By highlighting specific groups, we discriminate against other groups and cause division instead of bringing people together.
Theresa Carpenter, host of Stories of Service and current Navy service member says, “I think when we have days that only celebrate one gender, or even one race, it’s by its nature exclusive and divisive.”
Others are for Highlighting Women Veterans
Other women Veterans see Women Veterans Day as an important day that is worth celebrating.
Air Force Veteran Suzanne McCurdy said, "Normally, I would roll my eyes and say, we are all Veterans. But last Veterans Day, I spent the majority of the day with people telling me, ‘Thank your husband for his service.’ This is where I'm on the fence. I never ask for recognition, but sometimes it stings. And I get frustrated with the same ole 'you don't look like you were in the military.’”
Her experience is like many other women Veterans who are not recognized, or even find themselves being questioned for their service.
Army Veteran Melissa Harcrow explained, "We are underrepresented not only as women but as women who served in the military. Movies, media, shows, etc. show men as the Veterans. People assume men have the high rates of PTSD, suicide, etc. when really women Veterans have higher rates.”
Women Veterans are a Growing Population
Women Veterans are the fastest-growing population in the U.S. military Veteran community. Even though they only make up 8.4 percent of the Veteran population, when looking at statistics focused on the challenges Veterans face, women Veterans are more likely to experience homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment, and more.
It is easy to see that women Veterans are not recognized the same way male Veterans are. But, things are changing for the better.
More women are registering with the VA. And more people are beginning to recognize women Veterans for their service.
Is having a separate day to recognize the service of women the right way to go about continuing to fight for recognition and changes? That choice is up to you.
June 12th can just be a normal day, or it can be a day that you can use to recognize women Veterans.
Resources for Women Veterans
Because of the challenge women can have when leaving the military, resources have been created by both the Department of Veteran Affairs and members of the military community.
If you are a woman Veteran looking for information and resources, you’ll want to check out these programs.
Department of Veteran Affairs
Center for Women Veterans
The Center’s mission is to advocate for improved outcomes and access to VA benefits, services, and opportunities for women Veterans through education, outreach, and collaboration.
Women Veterans Program Manager
The VA wants women to feel welcome at their VA healthcare facilities, and has a Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) located at each VA hospital. They are there to help connect you with the services you need.
Most VA hospitals also have clinics specific for women Veterans. The WVMP is there to:
- Answer questions about available women's health services and claims
- Create a welcoming and respectful environment for all women Veterans
- Lead programs and services related to women Veterans' health care
State-Led Women Veteran Program Offices
Many states have their own Women Veteran Program office under their state directed Veteran Office. Additionally, many large cities across the nation have programs created specifically to help women Veterans. Below, we are taking a closer look at a couple of them.
5 Programs That Aim to Empower Women Veterans
Women Veteran Alliance
The Women Veterans Alliance aims to provide women Veterans with the tools and experiences they need to be successful.
They aim to create a community that equips, empowers, and encourages women who have served with knowledge, mentorship, and career opportunities to achieve their greatest potential.
Additionally, they offer career opportunities, and help female Veterans build relationships with large corporations. They also focus on providing women with the support they need to start or expand their own business, partnering them with mentors and individuals who can help promote their small businesses.
Women Veterans Rock
The Women Veterans ROCK! Advocacy Campaign is a Coalition of Women Veteran Organizations that aims to support women Veterans and military families.
The organization provides female Veterans with a number of resources in the fields of: , housing, employment, education, financial stability, and health & wellness. Their goal is to provide female Veterans and military families access to the resources they need to excel in their post-military/civilian lives.
Women Veterans Interactive
The Women Veterans Interactive Foundation connects, engages, and empowers Women Veterans with the tools and resources needed to achieve post-military success through financial assistance, workforce development resources, and community.
They aim to provide female Veterans with the tools necessary to meet their financial, physical, and mental needs.
Foundation for Women Warriors
Foundation For Women Warriors is a non-profit that was created over 100 years ago to serve women.
Their original focus was on spouses; however, this has shifted. Currently, they are focused on empowering women Veterans, enhancing their well-being, and providing them with the necessary resources to successfully transition into civilian life alone or with their children.
WoVeN (Women Veterans Network)
WoVeN offers online community and connection through their programs. Their goal is to provide women Veterans with the opportunity and network necessary to foster connections and build relationships in local communities and across the nation.
WoVeN is very focused on the power of connection and community. The idea behind WoVeN was to provide women Veterans with a sisterhood and a place of connection where they can offer support to one another.
The community is open to women veterans of all eras and service branches.
4 Podcasts Highlighting Women Veteran Stories & Benefits
She Wears the Boots
Women Veterans are a growing and diverse group—professionals, mothers, retirees—of varying ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. She Wears the Boots is a VA podcast sponsored by the Office of Women’s Health in the Veterans Health Administration.
The podcast focuses on topics relevant to servicewomen and female Veterans, and aims to enhance the lives of female Veterans through the sharing of women’s health care services offered by the VA.
This podcast highlights how women Veterans can use VA services and resources to improve their health. This podcast features expert opinions on numerous topics, representing a broad range of VA programs.
Women of the Military Podcast
Women of the Military is a place dedicated to sharing the stories of women Veterans. It is through the power of telling your personal story that people will begin to learn and understand about female military service.
The podcast aims to inspire young women to consider military service. They cover topics about joining the military, leaving the military, the challenge of being a woman, military sexual trauma, and more.
Beyond the Military Podcast: Women Transitioning from the Military, Veteran Women, Confident in Life
The Beyond the Military podcast is a space for military women determined to focus on life outside of the military while and after their military career.
The podcast is focused on empowering women to go after the career and life they want. Wendi Wray, Army Veteran, aims to empower women to pursue what they want out of life in this podcast.
She shares tools with her audience that help them navigate their career and life mentally, and emotionally after service.
DogTag Diaries
Last, but certainly not least is the Dog Tag Diaries. This podcast provides a platform for military women to tell their stories and speak their truths.
The podcast aims to raise awareness about military trauma, and mental health, while fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other's stories.
Their goal is to increase connections among women, creating a community full of empowerment, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, as military women navigate the unique challenges that come with military life.
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