IL HR0283

Declares June 12, 2023 as "Women's Veterans Day" in Illinois to commemorate the date President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law on June 12, 1948.

Recognizes the historical service of women in the United States military, including informal service during the American Revolution and Civil War, formal service beginning with the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, and approximately 12,000 women who enlisted in the Navy in 1917.

Acknowledges that approximately 280,000 women served during World War II and that the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 made women permanent members of the military, though initially limited to two percent of the military population.

Notes that a 1967 amendment to the Women's Armed Services Integration Act lifted the two percent restriction and opened senior officer ranks to women, and that late 1970s and early 1980s legislation granted formal veteran status to women who served.

Urges that Women's Veterans Day be observed with appropriate programs, services, and activities throughout Illinois to honor the sacrifices and valor of women veterans.