Women have been part of the American military narrative since the Revolutionary War, initially serving as nurses, spies, and support staff. Today, they are integral to every branch of the armed forces, serving in roles that span from combat pilots to intelligence analysts.

One of the pieces of legislation signed into law during the 2023 Regular Session created Women Veterans Day as a state memorial day to be celebrated on June 12 each year. Act 115 states Women Veterans Day is acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes the unique challenges women have faced.

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, allowing women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force.

There are nearly 2 million living women veterans in the United States. Women currently make up approximately 10% of the overall veteran population. Arkansas is home to over 220,000 veterans. Of those, close to 19,000 are women.

Honoring women veterans means celebrating their stories and contributions. From the trailblazing nurses of World War II to the combat officers of today, each woman veteran's story adds a unique thread to the fabric of our history. Their resilience, bravery, and dedication have paved the way for future generations, and recognizing their sacrifices enriches our state.

The Arkansas General Assembly is committed to improving the lives of all of our veterans. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran in need of assistance, visit veterans.arkansas.gov.