Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims Women's Military History Week

[boardman]

GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER PROCLAIMS WOMEN’S MILITARY HISTORY WEEK
 
Women have served this nation, in uniform or in disguise, since the Revolutionary war.  Because of the advances in technology, the battlefield lines have become increasingly blurred and now one is as likely to see today’s military woman serving on the front line as in the supply line.  Unfortunately, in spite of their admirable service, many of our military women do not proudly count themselves as veterans.
 
Governor Schwarzenegger wants to change that, and in order to highlight the contributions made by our nation’s military women, he has proclaimed March 18th through the 24th as “Women’s Military History Week.”  With this proclamation Governor Schwarzenegger honors all women who have served and those who are currently serving in our active duty forces, the reserves and our National Guard.
 
“I am very pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger honors the commitment, selfless service, and bravery of our military women during the proclaimed week,” said California Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary for Women Veterans Affairs, Sheryl Schmidt.  “By doing so, he honors all women who have served in the past and those who have currently answered our country’s call to service.”
 
PROCLAMATION
by the
Governor of the State of California
 
MARCH 18-24, 2007 AS “WOMEN’S MILITARY HISTORY WEEK”
 
From the days of the American Revolution to the current global war on terror, women have worked to secure liberty for our nation and others around the world.  Many have been wounded, taken prisoner, and have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their heroic deeds.
 
In defending America, women have fulfilled a range of positions in all branches of our armed forces.  These include mechanics, cooks, communication specialists, administrators, aviators and nurses.  Women currently comprise more than 14% of our active duty forces and more than 17% of our guard and reserve forces.  Here in California, we are proud to be home to thousands of women service members who protect our state and to more than 165,000 women veterans, representing 10% of the nation’s women veterans’ population.
 
As they contribute mightily to the functioning of the world’s most efficient military, I encourage all Californians this week to recognize and salute the military accomplishments of women throughout our history.  All Americans should pause to celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of women such as Deborah Samson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War; the brave women of the Nurse Corps during World War I; and the women who are valiantly serving in Iraq today, as well as countless other examples of the courage of our female troops.
 
I am humbled and honored to recognize past and present women service members, for their achievements are an inseparable part of the American narrative.  Please join me this week in celebrating their history by learning more about women’s contributions to the military.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 18-24, 2007 as “Women’s Military History Week.”
 
A copy of the Governor’s proclamation can be accessed online at http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/proclamation/5549/ or http://www.cdva.ca.gov/women/week.asp.

California Department of Veterans Affairs

 

Veterans News

 
Contact:  J.P. Tremblay
Jerry Jones
Jaime Arteaga
Legislation and Public Affairs
916-653-2192
Fax 916-653-2611
March 16, 2007

 
 
NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS