Press Release - Monday, March 30, 2009
Press Releases
No Data
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs' Salutes Women Veterans during Women's History Month
CHICAGO - In conjunction with Women's History Month, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) today hosted a "Salute to Women Veterans" in honor of Illinois' female Veterans and as a way to thank them for their decades of dedicated military service. Governor Pat Quinn also issued a proclamation declaring today as Women Veterans Recognition Day in Illinois.
"In the military, it takes a team to be successful and complete the mission at hand. Since the Revolution, women have been a part of this team, honorably serving to protect our freedoms," said IDVA Director Dan Grant. "During Women's History Month, we take time to recognize and honor the brave women who answered our nation's call to duty. Today, we proudly salute the accomplishments made by these courageous women and want to let them know that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. "
A number of Veterans organizations participated in the "Salute to Women Veterans" event today at the James R. Thompson Center. The event included displays, informational booths, and a formal program with Captain Gracie Scambiatterra, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard as the keynote speaker. At the event, IDVA Director Grant honored and presented Army Specialist Danielle Green-Byrd, a wounded Iraq War Veteran from Illinois, with a special award for her service.
The text of the Governor's proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, throughout history, women have displayed their patriotism by courageously serving in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, although women did not officially receive permanent military status until President Harry Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, they have served and distinguished themselves in times of peace as well as during every major conflict since the birth of our great nation; and
WHEREAS, prior to 1948, women served in numerous support roles both on and off the battlefields in such capacities as nurses, saboteurs, cooks, mechanics, clerks, telephone operators, and drivers; and
WHEREAS, today, there are approximately 350,000 women, or almost 15 percent of the active duty, reserve and guard units, enlisted in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, on March 30, in honor of women's history month, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will host a "Salute to Women Veterans," to acknowledge the numerous sacrifices and accomplishments made by the brave women who have served our country through military service:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim March 30, 2009 as WOMEN VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to honor those women veterans who have courageously served our country.
Press Releases
No Data