WHEREAS, women have served honorably and courageously in all of America’s wars and conflicts since the American Revolution, but their service was traditionally left unrecognized; and

WHEREAS, although women did not officially receive permanent military status until President Harry Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, they have served and distinguished themselves in times of peace and war since the birth of this Nation; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, Alaska women did their part to protect communities across the State, with some even flying aircraft for our Russian allies to use in the war effort; and

WHEREAS, we are honored to pay tribute to and remember the American female veterans who have bravely and nobly served in the military in defense of our Nation, including all women veterans that call Alaska home , and we are proud of the contributions they make in our communities; and

WHEREAS, in honor of Mary Louise Rasmuson, a female veteran, Americans gather together to provide resources and support to the courageous women who have fought to serve our Country; and

WHEREAS, The Operation Mary Louise Project seeks to make women veterans more visible and support them in the way that they deserve, and the Center for Women Veterans advocates for cultural transformation to raise awareness about the service and sacrifice of women veterans; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, the Alaska State Legislature officially recognized our Nation’s women veterans in Alaska Statute, declaring November 9 of each year to be Women Veterans Day, acknowledging women veterans’ countless contributions and increasing role in the military; and

WHEREAS, we salute and remember the women who fearlessly served our Nation and honor them and their families for their service, sacrifice, and remarkable dedication to our Nation.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2024 as:

Women Veterans Day

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and honor the valor and contributions of generations of American servicewomen and their families, who have proudly served our great State and Nation by safeguarding our land, people, freedoms, and legacy.

Dated: November 9, 2024