SOLON — At last week’s city council meeting (Wednesday, June 5) Mayor O’Neil read a proclamation to recognize Women Veterans Day on Wednesday, June 12. The request for the proclamation came from our local Solon American Legion Auxiliary No. 460.
Not all states recognize June 12 as a formal holiday (such as Iowa). Still, it was important to the local Legion Auxiliary to acknowledge the women currently serving, women Veterans, and women Legion members.
A dessert reception was held Tuesday, June 11 at the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 to recognize our 16 local women veterans.
Proclamation
While women have served in the American military since before we became a nation, they were not officially recognized as military members or veterans until 1948 when President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12th.
WHEREAS, Today women make up 20% of new recruits, 16% of personnel serving on active duty and 19% of the National Guard and Reserve Forces; and
WHEREAS, through their selfless sacrifice, courage, dedication and honorable military service, women veterans have safeguarded our heritage and freedom while providing valuable service and expertise to our society; and
WHEREAS, women veterans have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also at the forefront of numerous major progressive social change movements in history, paving the way for future generations to enjoy the unalienable rights, duties and responsibilities afforded equally to all residents of the United States of America; and WHEREAS, Solon, Iowa is committed to supporting and recognizing the bravery of all women actively serving our country, of all women veterans, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives to protect our state and country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Dan O’Neil, Mayor of Solon, Iowa do hereby proclaim June 12, 2024, as Women Veterans Day in Solon and surrounding areas And I encourage all people in our community to join me in honoring women veterans for their outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to our country.
Signed: Mayor Dan O’Neil Date: June 5, 202