|
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
WHEREAS, On June 12, 2017, Texans joined together in |
|
celebration of Women Veterans Day, an event inaugurated to |
|
recognize the myriad achievements of women in the armed forces; and |
|
WHEREAS, Since serving as nurses, spies, and even soldiers in |
|
the Revolutionary War, women have been involved in every armed |
|
conflict in American history; long before officially joining the |
|
ranks of the U.S. Army, women carried out essential work in medical |
|
and support roles during times of war; the Second World War led to |
|
the creation of the Women's Army Corps, which allowed women to |
|
enlist in the military in areas outside of nursing for the first |
|
time, including military intelligence, cryptography, and |
|
maintenance and supply; and |
|
WHEREAS, In recognition of the outstanding contributions of |
|
women in uniform during World War II, the Women's Armed Services |
|
Integration Act was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on |
|
June 12, 1948; the law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular |
|
members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, |
|
representing a major step toward the full inclusion of women in the |
|
military; and |
|
WHEREAS, The Global War on Terror has ushered in a rapid |
|
expansion of roles for female service members; in 2013, the |
|
restriction on women in direct ground combat roles was lifted, and |
|
two years later, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the |
|
decision to open up all military occupations and positions to |
|
women, without exception; today, American women are serving in |
|
greater numbers than ever before and contributing significantly to |
|
the mission of each branch of the armed forces; and |
|
WHEREAS, The State of Texas is proud to be home to the largest |
|
population of women veterans in the country; through their courage, |
|
their patriotism, and their professionalism, they are an |
|
inspiration to us all, and we owe them an immense debt of gratitude |
|
for their service and sacrifice; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
|
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate Women Veterans |
|
Day 2017 in honor of the female members of the United States |
|
military, past and present. |