Assembly Resolution No. 1032

BY: M. of A. Hunter

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the Military
Women's Memorial

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Military Women's Memorial
located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Legislation was authorized in 1986 to honor women's
contribution to the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, In October 1997 the Military Women's Memorial was dedicated
and opened to the public; it is still the only memorial to honor and
tell the stories of all the nation's women who served in and with the
military beginning with the American Revolution; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Memorial is to honor the women who
served in and with the United States Armed Forces from the time of the
American Revolution until today; and

WHEREAS, Women did not officially serve in the military until the
20th Century, many women served with the military in the earlier times
of crisis; and

WHEREAS, Women participated in the United States Armed Forces during
World War II, which is considered a major turning point in their role in
the armed forces; and

WHEREAS, By the end of World War II, there were few noncombatants'
jobs in which women did not serve; and

WHEREAS, Nurses and Women's Army Corps (WACs) served overseas
throughout WWII; the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency
Service-U.S. Navy Corps of female members), SPARS (Semper
Paratus-Always Ready-World War II women's branch United States Coast
Guard Ready Reserve) and Women Marines were restricted from overseas
assignments until near the end of the war; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 400,000 women served with the military during
World War II; many women lost their lives or were held as Prisoners of
War, while others earned Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, and Legion of
Merit; and

WHEREAS, This vital Memorial tells the story of women in the
military in their own words through its database which preserves the
stories of individual women who served in or with the military; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, there is space within the Memorial which
remembers those women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to
their country and those who have received the nation's highest awards;
at the end of this space, there are three marble blocks called "Sister
Stones" which were cut from the same marble as the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier and stand as silent sentinels to these women patriots; and

WHEREAS, Through its avowed commitment to those who served in the
cause of America's Freedom, the Military Women's Memorial formerly known
as the Women in Military Service For America Memorial does so
unselfishly advance that spirit of united purpose and shared concern
which is the unalterable manifestation of our American experience; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Military Women's Memorial; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Viviana DeCohen, Director of the New York State Division
of Veterans' Services; and Kristen Rouse, Deputy Director of Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion New York State Division of Veterans' Services.