Veterans Day is almost here. Every year we begin our celebration of military service by saluting America’s veterans, military service members, and military families. We thank them for their sacrifice and service to our nation. Their commitment provides us with the comforts of security and liberty.
Veterans Day is a public holiday designated to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Originated as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the first anniversary of the end of World War I, Congress passed a resolution in 1926 recognizing the annual observance of Veterans Day. In 1938 Veterans Day became a national holiday.
Serving our nation through military service is an honorable distinction. Less than 1% of Americans serve. The Department of Defense reports the strength of active duty armed forces was 1,281,990 in fiscal year 2017. An additional 801,200 serve in seven military reserve branches.
Women continue to emerge as a significant presence in America’s military. More than 200,000 women serve in active duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs projects that by year 2020 women veterans will comprise nearly 15% of the total veteran population.
Women are finding new and exciting ways to serve our country beyond their military service. They have taken aim at new targets of civic service. Women veterans are running for office at the local, state and federal levels. And, they are winning!
Today’s military women including veterans, active duty service, reservists, national guard, ROTC, military spouses, and military moms too, are soaring high in civilian leadership. They are senior leaders in business, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, academic arenas; and veteran entrepreneurship too.
On Veterans Day we celebrate America’s women veterans as they claim their seats at tables of public leadership through their post-military civic engagement and civilian leadership service.
By Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh,
President of The Healthy Caregiver Community Foundation
National Campaign Chair @ Women Veterans ROCK!
Constitutional Law Professor at Chestnut Hill College
