WHEREAS, Women Veterans Day is observed annually on June 12 in the United States to commemorate the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, enacted on June 12, 1948; and

WHEREAS, there are 2,100,000 women veterans in the United States, including more than 110,000 women veterans living in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Women Veterans Day provides an opportunity to educate the public about the courageous service and sacrifice of women who have served in the military and to raise awareness of their meaningful contributions to the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, since the Revolutionary War, women have served in every branch and component of the United States Armed Forces, including in elite units and combat roles; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, women veterans are the fastest-growing demographic within the veteran population in the United States; and

WHEREAS, women veterans are racially and ethnically diverse, with approximately 43 percent of women veterans who utilized VA health services in 2020 identifying as members of minority groups; and

WHEREAS, according to the Veterans Affairs Women’s Healthcare System, women veterans are projected to comprise 18 percent of the veteran population in 2024; and

WHEREAS, recognizing and celebrating women veterans honors their service in breaking barriers, highlights their courage and resilience, and inspires future generations of women who will serve and lead in the military;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 12, 2026, as WOMEN VETERANS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.