LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 12, 2015, as Women Veterans Recognition Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, Sixty-seven years ago, on June 12, 1948, President Harry S.
Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Act of 1948 (P.L.
625-80th Congress); this law insured that women would have a permanent
place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines; and
WHEREAS, The late Senator Margaret Chase Smith from Maine authorized
the legislation that President Truman signed; the Act remains the most
significant legislation pertaining to women's military service and is
the cornerstone for policies and regulations affecting women; and
WHEREAS, Women veterans have always answered the call to duty, serving
with integrity and respect; and
WHEREAS, Since 2001, more than 200,000 women have served in the U.S.
military in Iraq and Afghanistan; women currently make up more than 15%
of the Army; and
WHEREAS, Women from New York who have served in the Armed Forces of
the United States have made countless contributions and tremendous
sacrifices during times of war; and
WHEREAS, It is important to recognize the contributions of New York
women veterans and educate the people of New York concerning the role of
women during wartime since this nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers serving in the military continue to demonstrate
their professionalism, dedication, and skills, as well as the patriotism
and love for their country and the liberties, freedoms, and rights it
stands for as they mobilize in record numbers to support Operation Noble
Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation
New Dawn, and the Global War on Terrorism; and
WHEREAS, From 1973 to 2013, the number of active-duty enlisted women
in the military has grown from about 42,000 to 167,000; the percentage
of women among the enlisted ranks has increased seven-fold, from 2% to
14%, and the share among commissioned officers has quadrupled, from 4%
to 16%; and
WHEREAS, Among the Armed Forces, there are over 63,800 women veterans
in the United States military from the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 12 years, there have been over 650 women wound-
ed in war and approximately 139 women casualties of war; and
WHEREAS, Women have served this country in uniform - whether veterans
of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, the current Global War on
Terrorism and peacetime service, and have earned our respect and thanks;
and
WHEREAS, Women Veterans Recognition Day is a living estuary to the
courage of so many; from its broad base of shared concern and responsive
endeavor, there yet emanates the current of valiant tradition and the
irrepressible tide of freedom; and
WHEREAS, Through its avowed commitment to those who have served in the
cause of America's Freedom, Women Veterans Recognition Day does so
unselfishly advance the spirit of the united purpose and shared concern
which is the unalterable manifestation of our American experience; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the bravery, patriotism and sacrifice made by women, both
those still living and those who died in service of our great country;
and most proudly commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the signing of the
Women's Armed Forces Service Act of 1948, which later came to be known
as Women Veterans Recognition Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 12, 2015, as Women Veterans
Recognition Day in the State of New York, fully confident that such
procedure mirrors our shared commitment to preserve, to ensure and to
yet effect that patrimony of freedom which is our American Heritage; and
be it further
RESOLVED That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.