Women’s History Month
March 1-31, 2026
Generations of women--in the air and on sea and ground--served in the U.S. armed forces with valor, honor and pride, some making the ultimate sacrifice. In recent history, they have comprised nearly 20% of the U.S. armed forces. For many years, less than 1% of Americans serve in their military. Women’s consistent interest in serving their nation ensured our nation could still defend itself, at home and abroad, during times when the number of volunteers fell short of recruitment goals.
If you’re interested in the history of women in the United States’ military, visit these links:
The American Presidency Project: Presidential Proclamations
Note 1: President Jimmy Carter first proclaimed the first week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week in 1980. In 1987, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, designating March as “Women’s History Month.” In 1988-1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim Women’s History Month each year.
Note 2: The United States White House under the Donald J. Trump Administration, removed their Presidential proclamations page in January/February 2025, apparently in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Previously, Administrations posted an annual proclamation.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/11/2025-03947/womens-history-month-2025
Note: The United States Department of Defense under the Donald J. Trump Administration and his appointed Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, removed their “Women’s History Month” page in February 2025, apparently in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Library of Congress: Women’s History Month
Note: As of March 12, 2025, this link was active.
U.S. Census Bureau: Facts for Features’
Note: The United States Census Bureau under the Donald J. Trump Administration did not update and/or removed the “Women’s History Month” page in February 2025, apparently in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women’s History Alliance
History: National Women’s History Month
Note: on January 29, 2025, under the Donald J. Trump Administration, in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the directors of the Department of Veterans Affairs offices for women and minority veterans were abruptly dismissed. It is common for these positions to be filled by new administration appointees. No replacements have been identified as of March 12, 2025.
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/01/30/va-leaders-dismiss-directors-of-offices-for-women-minority-veterans/
WomenVetsUSA Historical Timelines (many related resource links)
Note: Under the Donald J. Trump Administration, in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, many links to government documents are now inactive. These resources, linked and unlinked, will remain as listed to provide historical clarity to the availability or lack of availability of past and present government resources regarding women’s service in the military.
WomenVetsUSA History/Heritage Library
Note: Under the Donald J. Trump Administration, in compliance with their government-wide abolishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, many links to government documents are now inactive. This library’s resources, linked and unlinked, will remain as listed to provide historical clarity to the availability or lack of availability of past and present government resources regarding women’s service in the military.