WHEREAS, women have served honorably and courageously in all of America’s wars and conflicts since the American Revolution, but their service was traditionally left unrecognized; and
WHEREAS, although women did not officially receive permanent military status until President Harry Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, they have served and distinguished themselves in times of peace and war since the birth of this nation; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Alaska women did their part to protect communities across the state, with some even flying aircraft for our Russian allies to use in the war effort; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is honored to pay tribute to, and remember, the American female veterans who have bravely and nobly served in the military in defense of our nation, including the over nine-thousand women veterans that call Alaska home, and we are proud of the contributions they make in our communities; and
WHEREAS, in honor of Mary Louise Rasmuson, a female veteran, many have gathered together to fill the gap that many women veterans fall through for the purpose of providing resources and support to our courageous women who have fought to serve our country; and
WHEREAS, The Operation Mary Louise Project seeks to make women veterans more visible and supported in the way that they deserve, and the Center for Women Veterans advocates for cultural transformation to raise awareness about the service and sacrifice of women veterans; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, the Alaska State Legislature officially recognized our nation’s women veterans in Alaska Statute, declaring November 9 of each year to be Women Veterans Day, acknowledging women veterans’ countless contributions and increasing role in the military; and
WHEREAS, on this day, we salute and remember the women who fearlessly served our nation, and we honor our female veterans and their families for their outstanding service, sacrifice, and remarkable dedication to our nation.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2022 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.
