The Town of Irmo honored Women Veterans Recognition Day by the reading of a proclamation on the steps of Town Hall on Thursday, June 12. The celebration recognizes the 1948 signing by President Truman of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act which granted women a permanent role in the military. Prior to that only women nurses could serve in the regular military and reserves.
A dozen or more women veterans were in front of Town Hall as Shelly Langston of the United States Navy and the South Carolina Ambassador for the Military Women’s Memorial addressed the group. “This recognition will help others see the commonality that they have with others that have served,” saud Langston. “We would like to thank the help of Councilman Gabriel Penfield and the Town of Irmo.”
Master Sergeant Erika Jones spoke to the gathered veterans about their service. “Honor and profound privilege is how I feel to be here today,” said Jones. “As women in the military we have found common experiences and comradery.”
Lt. Colonel ret. Belinda Toatley, who retired from the Army Nurse Corps after 23 years of service, was a Desert Storm veteran. Toatley was accompanied by Judy Scott who was also a Desert Storm veteran and a Captain who served 11 years with the Army Nurse Corps.
The Military Women’s Memorial was first established in 1985 and resides in Arlington National Cemetery. It is dedicated to more than 3 million women who have served the US military since the American Revolution. The first Women Veterans Recognition Day was celebrated on June 12, 2018 and is a state by state commemoration.
Both the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs was represented as was the SC Dept. fo Veterans Affairs.
Mayor Bill Danielson read the proclamation aloud and set aside June 12 in the Town to always be remembered as Women Veterans Recognition Day and to honor the Women Veterans in Irmo.
Feature Photo – Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson, Lydia, France, Leonard and Master Sergeant Erika Jones, Shelly Langston and Town Councilman Gabriel Penfield.
