Quincy Reporter

Illinois State Senators Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) won overwhelming support for their legislation to declare June 12 the newest holiday in Illinois: Women's Veterans Day.

House Joint Resolution 64 was adopted unanimously in both houses on April 9. This resolution declares June 12 as Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois.

"Women have officially been part of the U.S. Armed Forces since the Army Nurse Corps in 1901 but have also served our nation’s military in so many other capacities," Tracy said in a press release from her office. "House Joint Resolution 64 notes women serving while disguised as male soldiers during the American Revolution and Civil War, as nurses in World War I and as combat helicopter pilots in Afghanistan. It’s truly fitting that we honor women’s wide-ranging contributions to military history."

"Women have sacrificed much for our nation while serving at home and abroad," Gillespie said in the press release. "We are grateful for their service and honor the contributions of the over two million women veterans who have served our country."

According to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (DAV), the Women's Veterans Program is a program that will provide support, resources and community for the female veterans of Illinois.

House Joint Resolution 64 is effective immediately.