On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Forces Integration Act allowing women to serve as regular members of the military.
On May 5, 2017, State Rep. Victoria Neave filed Texas House Bill 2968, establishing Texas Women Veterans Day. The bill later was incorporated into Senate Bill 805, and on June 9, 2017, was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, designating June 12 as Women Veterans Day.
On Sunday afternoon, dozens of area veterans, both male and female, were among those who gathered at Veterans Plaza in Boerne to recognize the day and remember the female veterans who served in the U.S. military.
“Welcome to the Inaugural Texas Women Veterans Day ceremony,” said Betty Moseley Brown, the master of ceremonies as well as the 19th national president of the Women Marines Association and a member of Boerne American Legion Post 313. “I would like to thank each of you for being with us today. Your presence today shows the importance of celebrating our women veterans who served valiantly, are serving now and those who will serve in the future.”
Brown led the 100 or so in attendance through the hour-long event, which included speeches from a female Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force veteran, proclamations from Abbott and Boerne Mayor Tim Handren and recognition of the oldest and youngest veterans in attendance.
Four female members of the Boerne ISD Jr. ROTC presented the colors as Jim Manzo played the National Anthem. Ruth Elizabeth “Bettie” Edmonds, who later was recognized as the oldest woman veteran in attendance, led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“American history is no stranger to stories of women warriors,” said Christina Herr, U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Boerne VFW Post 688.
Herr recalled how women served throughout the country’s history, starting with the Revolutionary War and continuing to today. She mentioned Truman signing the Women’s Armed Forces Integration Act.
“Although it had restrictions … this was still progress,” she said.
She also discussed President Lyndon Johnson opening promotions for women to general and flag ranks and in 1972 being allowed to command units with men. In 1994, President Bill Clinton rescinded the “risk rule,” allowing women to serve in non-ground direct combat roles.
She then turned her focus into the purpose of the day and said today women make up more than 16 percent of those who serve in the U.S. military.
“Today is not about women warriors of the world, or even the United States,” Herr said. “Today is about Texas women veterans.
“Throughout history it has become apparent to never underestimate the warrior spirit of a woman. We have proudly served as members and supporters of the military, whether in disguise or out in the open. We serve, too.”
Abbott’s proclamation was read by Navy veteran and Fair Oaks Ranch City Councilwoman Laura Koerner. Koerner was among the first females to drive a combat ship in the U.S. military before being honorably discharged in 2003.
“Since the founding of our nation, our military has displayed incredible strength and unyielding bravery, taking a stand against the dangers that threaten our way of life,” Koerner read as she quoted Abbott’s proclamation signed on May 18. “The brave service members that have served our country stand as examples of hope, opportunity and the promise of freedom to people around the world. Women service members have played a large part in this shared history.”
Koerner continued by quoting Abbott stating that the legacy of American women serving their country is an enduring example of selflessness, sacrifice and trailblazing history.
“During the 85th Legislature, I was proud to sign legislation which established June 12 as Women Veterans Day in Texas,” the governor’s proclamation stated. “… Women service members and veterans display the bravery, commitment and strength we have come to expect from our military, and I am proud to recognize and comment their immense dedication and distinguished service.
“At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the contributions that women veterans have made and continue to make in our state and nation, to thank them for their service and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their commitment to answering our nation’s call to serve affords us the opportunity to enjoy the freedom we cherish, and their dedication stands as an example to the rest of the world.”
Next to the podium was Boerne City Councilmember Bryce Boddie, who filled in for Handren and read the mayor’s proclamation.
“Whereas June 12, 1948, marked the date that women were officially allowed to serve as regular and permanent members of the armed forces in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Air Force,” Boddie read, “and whereas women have always played a role in the conflicts involving the United States military, beginning their service as washerwomen and eventually presiding over massive hospitals as nurses during the Civil War, and whereas it took decades for the restrictions placed on their service capacity to change, but eventually women were able to participate in the armed forces during peacetime.
“Whereas by 1970, women’s roles in the military expanded, finally allowing them to rise to command roles in non-combat units, and whereas it was not until 2013 that women achieved full status in the military when they were granted the right to serve in direct ground combat roles.
“Now, therefore I, Tim Handren, mayor of the city of Boerne, Texas, do hereby proclaim June 12, 2022, as Women Veterans Day in Boerne, Texas, and encourage our residents to show their gratitude for our current and past servicewomen who have selflessly served so that we may live free.”
Koerner, U.S. Army veteran Paula Wells, Marine Corps veteran Laura Brown and Air Force veteran Dixie Morrow addressed the audience and gave highlights and shared stories of their service in the military. Moseley Brown then recognized the oldest and youngest women veterans in attendance, honoring the 91-year-old Edmonds, who served in the Air Force, and Kairah Johnson, who was born in 2000 and served in the Army.
Laura Brown cut a special cake with a saber and the two just-honored veterans were served first.
Manzo played Taps and members of the VFW Post 688 Honor Guard did three ceremonial volleys.
Wells, who also gave the invocation, ended the event with the benediction.
“Almighty God, the hour has come when we must part,” Wells said. “We commit ourselves to thy care. Thou, who art our strong tower of defense and our protection, grant that in life’s battles we may be strong and brave, living such lives of stainless integrity as shall reflect honor upon our country and glorify thy great and holy name.
“We thank You for this opportunity to share this special occasion to honor our women veterans. Amen.”
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