P.L. 2019, jr.1015 (SJR114)

A Joint Resolution designating June 12 of each year as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Women have proudly served their country throughout all periods of the history of the United States to secure and preserve freedom and liberty for all Americans and our allies; and

Whereas, Women have formally been a part of the United States Armed Forces since the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, but have informally served since the inception of our nation’s military; and

Whereas, Whether disguised as male soldiers during the American Revolution and Civil War, as nurses in World Wars I and II, or as combat helicopter pilots in Afghanistan, women have served honorably and with valor; and

Whereas, Today, women constitute approximately 15 percent of the military personnel on active duty; and

Whereas, Currently, women comprise nearly 19 percent of all active duty personnel in the Air Force, 18 percent of the Navy, 14 percent of the Army, and eight percent of all Marines; and

Whereas, In New Jersey, women constitute roughly 18 percent of the total population of the New Jersey Army National Guard and make up 23 percent of the New Jersey Air National Guard; and

Whereas, The population of women veterans is expected to reach 2 million by 2020 increasing exponentially from 1.1 million in 1980, comprising more than 10 percent of the veteran population; and

Whereas, New Jersey is proud of and appreciates the service of its own 25,678 women veterans who have demonstrated great skill, sacrifice, and commitment to defending the principles upon which our Nation was founded and continues to uphold; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey can highlight the growing presence of women in the Nation’s armed forces and the State’s national guard and pay respect to women veterans for their dutiful military service by designing June 12 as “Women Veteran Appreciation Day” in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. June 12 of each year is designated as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in New Jersey to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans who have served valiantly on behalf of this State and the United States of America.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing June 12 as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in New Jersey, and call upon public officials and citizen of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates June 12 of each year as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day.” Women have served in the United States Armed Forces informally and formally since the American Revolution. Whether disguised as male soldiers during the American Revolution and Civil War, as nurses in World Wars I and II, or as combat helicopter pilots in Afghanistan, women have served the Nation honorably.

Today, women constitute approximately 15 percent of the military personnel on active duty. The population of women veterans is expected to reach 2 million by 2020, increasing exponentially from 1.1 million in 1980, and comprising more than 10 percent of the veteran population. To highlight the growing presence of women in the armed forces and to illustrate the State’s appreciation for women veterans, the Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe June 12 of each year as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in New Jersey.

Designates June 12 of each year as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in New Jersey.