Aumua, First Lady, and other Members of Congress Honor Women Veterans
Washington, D.C. –Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, joined First Lady Michelle Obama, and her fellow Members of Congress earlier this week in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building to honor and recognize our women veterans.
Congresswoman Amata looks on, as the First Lady addresses the gathering
“War knows no gender. Our women veterans put themselves at risk every day, the same as their male counterparts, and it is time that we begin to recognize that fact,” said Amata. “Today’s battlefield is not defined by any line in the sand, and our female soldiers are now taking on jobs that were historically reserved exclusively for men. Therefore, it is time that our women veterans start being treated with the same respect and gratitude as their male counterparts…we are thankful for them all,” continued Amata.
Congressional leaders and veteran advocates attended the event to honor retired Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, one of the first women to serve as a general officer in the military, and a champion of the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
First Lady Obama presented Brig. Gen. Vaught with an award and then spoke on the need for female veterans to share their stories with younger women. “Once they hear about your service and sacrifice, they will slowly start to get what we know: that you are amazing, you are a gift to us…Tell people what you have done to protect us and keep us safe,” said the First Lady.
“Not only this month, but every day, let us remember and honor the work that our female veterans do for our nation, and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe,” concluded Amata.
# # #