WHEREAS, women have served honorably and courageously in every war and conflict of the United States since the American Revolution, yet their service was traditionally left unrecognized; and
WHEREAS, permanent military status for women was not granted until President Harry Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, yet women have honorably served and distinguished themselves in times of peace and war since the Nation’s birth; and
WHEREAS, we are honored to recognize and remember the American women veterans who have bravely and nobly served in defense of our Nation, including those who call Alaska home, and we take pride in the many contributions they continue to make within our communities; and
WHEREAS, in tribute to Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson, a trailblazer who served from 1942 to 1962 as Commandant of the Women’s Army Corps and dedicated her life to advancing opportunities for women in the military and in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, launched in 2020, the Operation Mary Louise Project continues her pioneering legacy by enhancing the visibility of the more than 10,000 Alaskan women veterans and ensuring that they are afforded the recognition and support to which they are honorably entitled, while the Center for Women Veterans’ mission is to advocate for improved outcomes and access to VA benefits, services and opportunities through education, outreach and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, the Alaska State Legislature officially recognized our Nation’s women veterans in Alaska Statute, declaring November 9th of each year to be Women Veterans Day, acknowledging women veterans’ countless contributions and increasing role in the military; and
WHEREAS, we salute and remember the women who selflessly served our Nation, recognizing them and their families for their service, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to the defense and ideals of our country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2025, as:
Women Veterans Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and honor the valor and contributions of generations of American servicewomen and their families, who have proudly served our great State and Nation by safeguarding our land, people, freedoms, and legacy.
Dated: November 9, 2025
