Amata Honors Women Veterans Recognition Day

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is honoring Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12), a day specifically recognizing the historical milestone on June 12, 1948, when the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law by President Harry Truman. From this point on, U.S. Servicewomen have had full and permanent membership in the Armed Forces.

"Our women veterans are fully included in our traditional Veterans Day each November, and this is not a separate Veterans Day, rather this historical date honors the acknowledgement and inclusion of women since 1948, and all they mean to our Armed Forces," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who is Vice Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee (HVAC). "This important change took place after the dedicated service of many women in support of the great victory in World War II. Women Veterans have continued to take part in the defense of the United States, and serve in vital missions and duties. This recognition day honors their devoted service, sacrifice, and bravery."

In this file photo, Amata was at a memorial to Sgt. Tina Safaira Time at the Army Women's Museum in Virginia.

"In American Samoa, the U.S. military has been an important part of the lives of many of our young women, whether a starting point or their life calling, and a great part of their educational opportunities and success stories, such as the career of my Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai," concluded Amata. "As we honor our women veterans of American Samoa we should always have special remembrance for one of our own, Sgt. Tina Safaira Time, who passed in December 2004, serving our nation with honor and dedication in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was 22 years old, and that will be 22 years ago this December."

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