[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E811-E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED, FOUGHT AND DIED FOR FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2000

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, from our nation's beginning to the present, 
women have answered the call to duty without hesitation. Like their 
male counterparts, they put their lives, their goals, and their dreams 
on hold to serve their nation.
  Women's participation in the military dates back as early as the 
Revolutionary War when in June of 1778 at Monmouth Courthouse a woman 
came to the aid of General George Washington and his weary troops. 
Moving across the battlefield binding wounds and dispensing water, this 
woman, who became known as ``Molly Pitcher'', noticed that one of the 
gun positions had ceased firing. She quickly put down her water 
pitcher, took over the gun position and fired her cannon. She stayed at 
her station until relived by artillerymen. Historians recorded her 
deeds and actions and while her true identity is not known, ``Molly 
Pitcher'' is representative of the women who served with the 
Continental Army in our country's fight for independence.
  During World War I women served as nurses in the armed forces. By the 
end of the war, 34,000 women had served in the Army and Navy Nurse 
Corps, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. These women served with honor 
not only on American soil, but overseas as well. Three Army nurses 
received the Distinguished Service Cross, a combaqt medal second only 
to the Medal of Honor. Twenty-three received the Distinguished Service 
Medal, the highest non-combat award. Many received foreign medals and 
some 38 women made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation and were 
buried overseas in U.S. cemeteries.
  World War II ushered in a new era of service for women in the 
military. In 1942 laws were passed establishing the Women's Army 
Auxiliary Corps, the Navy Women's Reserve, the Marine Corps Women's 
Reserve, and the Coast Guard Women's Reserve. With the signing of the 
Integration Act of 1948, women were given permanent, legal status as 
enlisted personnel. By the end of the war, roughly 350,000 had served 
in the armed forces in virtually every occupaiton outside of direct 
combat. These women all had two things in common--they had all 
volunteered and they had a desire to serve their nation.
  The record of women's service to the Armed Forces does not stop with 
these early wars. Some 265,000 women served during the Vietnam Era and 
approximately 35,000 women served during the Persian Gulf War. There 
can be little doubt that these brave women performed a valuable role in 
service to our nation. Historical documents are full of testimonials 
attesting to the excellence of women's service, disciplined character 
and overall positive efffects on the armed services. The brave women 
who served and continue to serve this nation desire our respect and 
gratitude.
  None of us who have served in our country's armed forces will ever 
doubt the importance of the service of women in the military. 
Accounting for an increasing percentage of those in uniform today, 
women now hold positions of leadership and achievement few would have 
predicted, even as recently as World War II.
  Today a special observance will be held to honor the women who have 
served in the Armed Forces. Fittingly, this observance will be held at 
the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. This will be the 
third annual observance, honoring women who have served admirably in 
our armed services, some whom have made the ultimate sacrifice so that 
Americans may enjoy the liberty and freedom we too often take for 
granted.
  Dedicated on October 18, 1997, the Women's Memorial is an inspiring 
monument that honors and illustrates America's servicewomen throughout 
history. Sited at the ceremonial entract to Arlington National 
Cemetery, it is the nation's only major national memorial honoring 
women who have served in uniform in and between our Nation's wars.
  I join with many of my colleagues today in saluting the women who 
have proudly and honorably serve in our Nation's military. The debt 
which we owe them is grat and it is most appropriate to pause today to 
pay them tribute for their individual and collective contirbutions to 
our Nation.

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