May. 25, 2022
HARRISBURG – The state House of Representatives today unanimously approved legislation authored by Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), a U.S. Army veteran, to designate June 12 of each year as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania. The idea for the legislation was presented to Pennycuick by local Montgomery County resident Robin Hightower.
There are currently more than 71,000 female veterans residing in Pennsylvania. And, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, by 2040 it is estimated that women will make up roughly 17% of the total veteran population.
“Women have a long and storied history of serving in the military, even before they were ‘officially’ permitted to serve,” said Pennycuick. “The citizens of this Commonwealth and this country truly are the beneficiaries of their great sacrifice, which is why we should have a day set aside to recognize and honor them.”
While woman 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 Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, which allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Army, Marine Corp, Navy and Air Force.
House Bill 2361, which would recognize June 12 each year as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“It is my hope the Senate takes swift action in passing this legislation and the governor signs it into law so June 12, 2022, can be the first time we officially celebrate the contributions of our women veterans in the Commonwealth,” concluded Pennycuick.
Representative Tracy Pennycuick
147th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717-772-9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
reptracypennycuick.com