Committee approves bill to recognize a Women’s Veterans Day after sponsor cites Truman-era law

Representative Aaron Pilkington introduced HB 13 31 to establish a Women’s Veterans Day in Arkansas and said 11 other states already observe such a day.

Pilkington told the committee the bill would "establish June 2 as women's veterans day," and he also explained the reason for the date by saying, "The reason why it's June 12 is because that's the day Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Service Integration Act of 1948." The transcript records both statements by the sponsor; the committee did not resolve the two different dates during the hearing.

Pilkington framed the measure as honorific and without fiscal impact: "It's a holiday that doesn't require any time off or anything like that," he said. Committee members briefly questioned the need for a separate observance beyond Veterans Day. Pilkington replied that acknowledging women veterans' unique service was appropriate and described the day as non-costly.

The committee moved, Senator Tucker seconded the motion, and the bill carried on a voice 'aye' vote. The committee advanced the measure for further consideration by the full senate.