In honor of National Women’s Veterans Day on Wednesday, June 12, the 25th Navajo Nation Council honored the strength and sacrifice of all women warriors who serve to protect our sacred homelands and freedom.
National Women’s Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12, the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, signed by President Harry S. Truman. This year marked the 76th anniversary of that landmark legislation for U.S. military women, which granted women a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the U.S. military.
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“Although women were legally allowed to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, women have served in various capacities in the military since the American Revolution and World War I served in the army.” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
In total, 20 percent of all Native American military service members are women.
“The sad reality is that our female veterans do not always get the recognition they deserve, which means they face many challenges in the military. As we honor our women veterans today, we must pledge to address the disparities they face in their service to our country.”
As veterans, women face the highest rates of suicide, homelessness, PTSD and sexual assault. Many female veterans still struggle to access basic care.
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