Women’s Veterans Day Celebration, June 12, 2026

Women’s Veterans Day is the anniversary of the day the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, on June 12, 1948. Before that change women could only serve as nurses in the regular and reserve military during peacetime. The ceremony was held on June 12, 2026 at Bruce F. Matheson Post 7498 VFW in Port Hadlock, organized by Christie Apker–who also curated the display of local women veterans’ uniforms. Kathy Bates organized the Quilts of Valor that were presented during the evening. The Admiralty Inlet Chapter of the D.A.R. helped with everything, along with the Sons of the American Revolution. The Elks Riders from Port Townsend Lodge 317 also came in support of the mission.

We honor our Lady Warriors for their legacy of service every year on this anniversary, and salute them every day.