Sheila Jackson Lee: “I rise with great jubilation and excitement to recognize and congratulate the Catholic Charities as they celebrate this…”

“I rise with great jubilation and excitement to recognize and congratulate the Catholic Charities as they celebrate this day, June 12, being an historic day in Texas because it has been named as Texas Women Veterans Day. The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston wants to ensure that the Texas legislators who supported this are, in fact, congratulated. And we are grateful that it was signed into law. Texas has the highest number of women veterans of any State in the country--last year, 183,597--and these heroes and sheroes could soon have a special day when the State will annually recognize their sacrifices. June 12 now has historic significance. On June 12, 1948, the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was passed nationally, allowing women to serve as regular members of the military. ``We are delighted that this special population that has bravely served our Nation will be honored in this important way,'' says Cynthia N. Colbert, Catholic Charities president and CEO. ``We serve women veterans through several programs, and we love having the opportunity to recognize those who have served and sacrificed for all of us.'' So this is a great day. Thank you Texas and the legislators who sponsored it. I look forward to working with legislation to ensure we have a national day here in the United States.…”