Amata Highlights Women Veterans Recognition Day
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12), a day specifically honoring the service of women who have served in the Armed Forces.
“Women Veterans helped defend the United States and the cause of freedom, and this recognition day specifically honors their bravery and dedication,” said Congresswoman Amata.
“We have many women veterans from American Samoa, but I want to especially remember on this day Sgt. Tina Safaira Time, who passed in 2004 at 22 years of age, serving our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
“It’s important to note that this is not at all a separate Veterans Day for women, as Veterans Day applies to all Veterans,” Amata said.
“Instead, this day celebrates the date Congress and President Truman officially recognized the right of women to serve in the regular armed forces. Since then, military service has been important to the successful lives and careers of many women in our islands, such as my office’s Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai, our first ever graduate of the U.S. Military Academy.”
On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. American Samoa is known for a high enlistment rate and strong tradition of military service, including many women.
Amata serves in the U.S. House of Representatives as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and as Chairman of the Women Veterans Task Force, which examines services and needs specific to women veterans to make legislative recommendations to the full Committee.
Each year, a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Women's Memorial recognizes the service and sacrifices that women have made through the years as part of the United States Armed Forces.
“Wherever I go in the world, I find our people serving, including numerous Service Women. God bless each of these strong women, as they serve and as veterans afterwards, and each of our many military families,” concluded Amata.