Guam establishes Women Veterans Recognition Day to honor service
July 05, 2024 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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In a significant move to honor the contributions of women veterans, the Guam Legislature has introduced Bill 294, which establishes June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day. This legislation aims to recognize the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, a demographic that has seen substantial growth in recent years.
The bill mandates that the governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage the people of Guam to observe this day. Additionally, a Women Veterans Recognition Day committee will be appointed to oversee the planning and arrangements for the observance. According to the Bureau of Budget and Management Research (BBMR), the implementation of this bill is administrative and will not incur any fiscal impact on government funds.
During discussions, lawmakers highlighted the historical significance of women in the military, noting that since the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law in 1948, over three million women have served honorably across various branches of the military. The inaugural Women Veterans Recognition Day was celebrated on June 15, 2023, at Epau Beach Park, where emotions ran high as many women veterans expressed gratitude for finally receiving recognition.
Support for the bill was widespread among legislators, with several sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the roles women have played in securing freedom and democracy. Senator Tai Tui pointed out that 21 other states have already enacted similar recognition, urging Guam to lead by example.
The discussions also touched on the challenges women veterans face, including the need for more support and recognition within the veteran community. Lawmakers expressed hope that this new observance would encourage more women to engage with veteran services and highlight their vital contributions to national security.
As the bill moves forward, it represents a collective effort to ensure that the sacrifices of women veterans are honored and remembered, fostering a culture of recognition and support for those who have served.
The bill mandates that the governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage the people of Guam to observe this day. Additionally, a Women Veterans Recognition Day committee will be appointed to oversee the planning and arrangements for the observance. According to the Bureau of Budget and Management Research (BBMR), the implementation of this bill is administrative and will not incur any fiscal impact on government funds.
During discussions, lawmakers highlighted the historical significance of women in the military, noting that since the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law in 1948, over three million women have served honorably across various branches of the military. The inaugural Women Veterans Recognition Day was celebrated on June 15, 2023, at Epau Beach Park, where emotions ran high as many women veterans expressed gratitude for finally receiving recognition.
Support for the bill was widespread among legislators, with several sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the roles women have played in securing freedom and democracy. Senator Tai Tui pointed out that 21 other states have already enacted similar recognition, urging Guam to lead by example.
The discussions also touched on the challenges women veterans face, including the need for more support and recognition within the veteran community. Lawmakers expressed hope that this new observance would encourage more women to engage with veteran services and highlight their vital contributions to national security.
As the bill moves forward, it represents a collective effort to ensure that the sacrifices of women veterans are honored and remembered, fostering a culture of recognition and support for those who have served.
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