West Central Reporter

New legislation has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly to recognize women veterans.

Sen. Jil Tracy said women veterans have made great sacrifices for the country, and it's time that they received recognition. She thanked Sen. Ann Gillespie for introducing House Joint Resolution 64 in this regard.

"I want to join Sen. Gillespie in recognizing this day of June 12, 2022, as Women's Veterans Day," Tracy said. "It's hard to believe that women have not been previously officially recognized as regular members of the United States military before the state, but we thank all of our veterans and we also want to recognize that our women have contributed greatly to the veterans' cause. They've served our nation. They've given the great sacrifice, as many of our other veterans and so we women just want to commemorate and recognize and bring it to your attention that these women veterans need to be recognized. And so I thank Sen. Gillespie for bringing this and just ask you all to join us in this resolution."

House Joint Resolution 64 declares June 12, 2022, as Women's Veterans Day in an effort to commemorate the day women were officially added as regular members of the U.S. military. It recognizes the critical role women have had in the military.

House Joint Resolution 64 was introduced by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Kifowit in January. A majority of Democratic and Republican senators and representatives have joined as co-sponsors of the resolution.

House Joint Resolution 64 was adopted by both chambers on April 9.