WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, recognizing and celebrating the countless contributions of our nation’s women service members, veterans and the many others who have aided in the defense of our country.
With women being integral to every facet of American life including the establishment of the Unites States, officially commemorating women’s history began 42 years ago. In 1981, Congress passed a joint resolution Public Law 97-28, designating “Women’s History Week” beginning March 7, 1982, to recognize and celebrate “American women of every race, class and ethnic background” whose roles and contributions had been “consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American History.” Authorized and requested by the law, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring Women’s History Week and called on the people of the United States to mark the observance with ceremonies and activities.
Within a few years, 14 states had already expanded the week-long commemoration to the entire month of March. Finally in 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed the newly passed Public Law 100-9 designating the month of March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every American president, Democrat and Republican, has issued proclamations. The 2024 White House proclamation on Women’s History Month can be found here.
The VFW salutes and honors all women service members, veterans and unsung heroes for their indelible contributions to our freedom and our way of life.