[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 94 (Friday, July 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1247-E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN CELEBRATION OF THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF WAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 2002

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to pay special tribute 
to WAVES, ``Women Accepted For Voluntary Emergency Service'', on the 
60th anniversary of its incorporation. WAVES brings together all 
former, retired, and present Navy women, promotes the Navy and Navy 
women, serves women veterans, and supports the traditions and history 
of the Women of the United States Navy.
  During World War I, while the Army remained committed to its 
prohibition against enlisted women, the Navy Department took advantage 
of the skills women offered by signing up 13,000 women into the Navy 
and the Marine Corps.
  World War II marked a turning point in the history of women in the 
military. On July 30, 1942, Congress enacted legislation establishing a 
Women's Reserve for duty with the U.S. Navy stateside, and on August 3, 
1942, WAVES was established. Women have continued to make invaluable 
contributions to the United States military ever since.
  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are over 
1,448,000 women veterans in this country, representing 5 percent of the 
total veteran population. Women have served in and with the military 
services since our country was founded. As medics, mechanics, postal 
workers, clerks, cooks, or MP's, women have contributed and continue to 
contribute mightily to our national defense in times of both war and 
peace. Women veterans have served proudly in nearly every United States 
military action risking their lives in the service of their country.
  I am proud to have the Finger Lakes Unit #49 of WAVES National, with 
members from Rochester and surrounding towns, as an active organization 
in my district. Our local unit carries out national programs with 
special emphasis on service to women veterans in VA

[[Page E1248]]

hospitals, at home, and in nursing homes. In addition, our dedicated 
group continuously supports the Institute of Logopedics for Special 
children.
  I am happy to offer my congratulations to WAVES on their 60th 
anniversary and my strong support for the important work they do 
recognizing and promoting the valuable service of women veterans.

                          ____________________