City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Integration Act on June 12, 1948, enabling women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Women veterans are one of the fastest-growing demographics within the United States military and are expected to reach nearly 20 percent of the veteran population by 2045; and
WHEREAS, ‘She Raised Her Hand’, a collaborative initiative was formed in Santa Barbara County to provide opportunities for women veterans in Santa Barbara County to find community, purpose, and strength in their identity as veterans. Santa Barbara County is home to women veterans who have served our country with honor and di gnity, often in dangerous situations, including service in World War II through the current conflicts; and
WHEREAS, women veterans have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity but also at the forefront of numerous major progressive social change movements in history, paving the way for future generations to enjoy the unalienable rights, duties, and responsibilities afforded equally to all residents of the United States of America. E ach woman veteran is extr aordinary in her own way, proving that women working inside the home or outside in academia, science, technology, business, labor, governance, and more maintain critical roles in every sphere of society; and
WHEREAS, is committed to supporting and recognizing the bravery of all women veterans, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives to protect our state and country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria hereby proclaim June 12, 2024, as:
“Women Veterans Day ”
in the City of Santa Maria and urge all residents and businesses to respect the entire community and build a culture that strives for equity and equality for all people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 4th day of June 2024.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor