The State of Texas Honors Women Veterans
Long overdue, and like no other state, Texas takes the lead in celebrating women veterans and does it BIG! Senate Bill 805 observance Tuesday, June 12, 2018, all across the state of Texas. It marks the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 signed by President Harry Truman to allow women to serve as permanent, regular members of the military.
This historic moment is now declared the official “Women’s Veterans Day.” It’s the first of its kind to honor women who served in the military. Spearheaded by state Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas and veteran advocate Evans-Quickley along with many others who pursued this recognition and honoring women veterans for their contribution in the armed forces.
Too often women who served choose to avoid admitting their service for fear of being frowned upon, feeling insignificant, or being unaware they’re veterans. So, there’s no self-identification. Denying the fact she served usually causes an inward depression, loneliness, daily malfunctions, and loss of receiving earned benefits. Separation from the comradery built with her peers during her term of service can often feel like trauma in itself.
Stars and Stripes note “For the first time, some women veterans in Texas plan to come together to honor their service, educate others about their history and raise awareness of resources available to women who served.”
Today’s acknowledgment should remove any doubt of being worthy of saying “she served.” It would be wonderful if many of the other states would adopt this model of acknowledging women veterans for their contributions of service and sacrifice, and it requires those who have found their voice to speak out. It all begins with voicing our opinions. That’s how change happens. In the movement of “Me Too,” women are standing up and becoming the voice for those who are not sure it’s safe to share their opinions, thoughts, and feelings. Even in the veterans’ community, women veterans are the catalyst for women who are now serving and are limited in speaking up for their rights. Celebrate your service today and recognize the shift of being welcomed in society. There is no time better than the present for us to integrate into the civilian community. It takes courage to stand up in a world of what looks so different and say, “I served too!” Be proud, and step into a new way of being heard because the world awaits your presence. It’s our time!
I’m sure there will be more states that will get on board with this idea? We’ll have to wait and see!
For a list of all the activities visit Texas Veterans Commission website: https://www.tvc.texas.gov/event/women-veterans-day-70th-anniversary-of-the-womens-armed-services-integration-act/.
Read the complete article on Stars and Stripes: https://www.stripes.com/news/texas-to-honor-women-veterans-on-tuesday-1.532155#.Wx-3FrXEHzM.facebook.
