Originally published in ConnectingVets

Written by Abbie Bennett

Three women veterans in Congress have introduced a bill to create a national day of recognition for women who have served their country in the Armed Forces and National Guard.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., are both Navy veterans. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Penn., is an Air Force veteran. They are three of the seven women veterans serving in Congress.

The congresswomen introduced a bill recently to establish June 12 as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day" to honor the nearly 2 million women veterans who make up about 10 percent of the total veteran population.

“From Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth to the WASPs of WWII to the women currently in the field, women have proudly served our nation since its founding,” Sherrill said. “Yet too often, female veterans do not seek care at the VA or even identify themselves as former servicewomen. Recognizing Women Veterans Appreciation Day follows the efforts of states around the country to engage with and advocate for our women veterans."

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women to serve as regular members of the military. Several states already recognize June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day, but there is no national day of recognition.