March is Women’s History Month. If you’re a woman and a veteran, this is for you!
U.S. Army combat veteran Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery/Berks) is inviting Pennsylvania women who served in the armed forces to take part in a state Capitol ceremony celebrating their service.
The ceremony will be held at noon on Monday, June 10, 2024. Female veterans and family members of female veterans are invited. The event will include an exhibit featuring photos and biographies of women who have served. The deadline for all entry and RSVP information is April 5.
“Women across Pennsylvania have served the commonwealth and nation with distinction and we’re inviting them to tell their stories,” said Pennycuick. “If you’re a female military veteran, or have a female family member who served, please contact us so that we can celebrate your experience and inspire the next generation of women in uniform.”
Pennycuick sponsored legislation observing Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania each year on June 12. The first Women Veterans Day Capitol exhibit was displayed in 2023.
While women have served in the American military since before the United States was established as a nation, it was not until 1948 that women were recognized as military members or veterans. President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, allowing women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.
While women have served in the American military since before the United States was established as a nation, it was not until 1948 that women were recognized as military members or veterans. Until then, only women nurses and secretaries received full veteran benefits.
By 2040 it is estimated that women will make up 17 percent of the total veteran population.
Last year Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity was among the women veterans honored.
As a colonel in the Army Reserve, Garrity served as one of the officers in charge of an internment camp for enemy combatants in Iraq. Iraqis dubbed her “the Angel of the Desert.” Her service at Camp Bucca in Southern Iraq resulted in a perfect record. She kept the camp secure and American troops safe without a single complaint of abuse from Iraqi soldiers interned there.
Garrity served a three deployments: in 1991 in Operation Desert Storm, in 2003 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom. She was awarded the Bronze Star twice for exceptional service and received the Legion of Merit before retiring from the Army Reserve with the rank of colonel.
“I applaud Sen. Pennycuick for her great work to honor the many incredible women veterans from Pennsylvania. Women have served and sacrificed in every branch of our military, and the law she sponsored to designate an annual Women Veterans Day is a tremendous way to show our support. I encourage every Pennsylvania woman who served our country to take part in this year’s ceremony,” said Garrity.
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