Governor Newsom proclaims Women’s Military History Week

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 16 through March 20, 2026, as "Women's Military History Week."

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

From the Revolutionary War to today, women have played vital roles in our nation's defense, answering the call to serve and demonstrating courage and dedication in every branch of the military - even before they could officially serve. Women's Military History Week honors these women, recognizing their resilience, sacrifice, and leadership.

World War II marked a turning point with the creation of the Women's Army Corps and the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-woman unit that ensured frontline troops received their mail. These forerunners helped pave the way for the full integration of women into all military roles, including combat positions.

Breaking down barriers has always made our military - and our country - stronger. This week, we celebrate all the women who have chosen to serve this country, no matter the cost to themselves, and we honor the history they've made in doing so.

This week and every week, we honor the nearly 150,000 Californian women veterans that served our nation and continue to serve our communities as leaders, business owners, advocates, and more. Each of these servicemembers, whether they're active-duty or a veteran, those with us today and those who have passed on, deserve recognition and respect.

At a moment when important parts and people of military history are being removed, we take this moment to acknowledge women's military history. Our military is strong because of its many parts - because it draws on the strengths of our people, coming together in unity and in defense of our country.

Women's Military History Week honors the enduring presence of military women, past and present, and recognizes how their service has strengthened readiness, advanced institutional excellence, and supported the evolving needs of the nation and its people.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 15 through March 21, 2026, as "Women's Military History Week."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 10^th day of March 2026.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State