On a podium filled with dignitaries and honorees, Texas commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by declaring June 12 the first annual Women Veterans Day.
Anna Gatti
The event, hosted and moderated by the Texas Veterans Commission, brought 400 attendees together on the steps of the state Capitol in Austin, Teaxs, to honor the service and sacrifice of women Veterans. Also highlighted was one special World War II woman Veteran, Anna Gatti, for her dedication to duty during her service as a Navy WAVE long-ago. As national outreach coordinator for VA’s Center for Women Veterans, I was honored to keynote the event.
Once the official ceremony was completed, a resource roundtable and information fair began. Also featured were stunning works of art by women Veterans.
Currently home to the highest number of women Veterans in the country, with more than 180,000 in residence, Texas leads the way nationally as a state that serves all Veterans. This is especially the case for women Veterans, where effective legislation, progressive policies, and dedication to offering access to benefits and services at every level is evident.
As the only state to have a dedicated Women Veterans Program, embedded veteran claims representatives in every VA Medical Center, and employment coordinators throughout the state at the county level, Texas can truly be proud of its finely-tuned model of support.
Happy Women Veterans Day, Texas!
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