Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson honored veteran women in the area Monday during a ceremony in observance of Women Veterans Recognition Day.
During the event at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville, women veterans were recognized and thanked by public officials for their contributions to the nation's armed forces. The ceremony also featured remarks from veterans, including a keynote speech by Georgia Department of Veteran Services Director Veda Brooks. It followed a proclamation signed by Hendrickson in April recognizing Women Veterans Recognition Day.
“The empowerment of women veterans and those serving on active duty is an investment in our community’s future,” Hendrickson said in a press release. “Our investment in these programs and services is our way of saying thank you to those women who stand in the face of adversity and excel in male-dominated spaces,” Hendrickson said.
Retired Lt. Col and District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III challenged the women gathered to continue to serve in civilian life as they served in the military.
"The women veterans in our community demonstrate tremendous strength, fortitude, and bravery throughout their service,” Watkins said. “It is essential that we come together as a community to acknowledge their unique contributions and ensure their stories are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”
For 75 years, Women Veterans Recognition Day has been observed on June 12, after President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law, allowing women to serve as regular members of the military.
For more information about resources provided by Gwinnett County for veterans and their families, visit the Gwinett County veteran's website.
