R 291500Z FEB 24
MARADMIN 107/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2024 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 100-9/12MAR1987//
NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW 100-9, A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1987, AS “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.”//
POC/J. L. OLVER/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: JESUSAH.OLVER@USMC.MIL//
POC/E. C. HABIB/CAPT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: EVAN.HABIB@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Women’s History Month is celebrated each year in the month of March.  More information may be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.defenseculture.mil/special-observances/.
2.  In 1980, President Carter issued the first presidential proclamation, declaring 2-8 March as National Women’s History Week.  The following year, Congress passed a joint resolution (Public Law 97-28) that authorized and requested the President proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week.  Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as Women’s History Week.  In 1987, after the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress, President Reagan signed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March as Women’s History Month.  Since then, presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on Women’s History Month to honor the personal sacrifices and accomplishments of female Marines in the past and today’s female Marines who are writing a new chapter in history.
3.  Our Marine Corps and American legacy includes trailblazing women who fought against limitations and served as integral members of their teams.  One extraordinary example is Colonel Nicole A. Mann, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot and NASA astronaut, with over 2,500 flight hours in 25 types of aircraft and 200 carrier landings to include 47 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.  She became the first female commander of a NASA Commercial Crew Program launch, SpaceX Crew-5, where she led a diverse crew of international astronauts responsible for all phases of flight from launch to re-entry.  There are countless examples of women overcoming obstacles and becoming force multipliers throughout society and military service, and in the years to come, we will continue to see their impact as Marines, mothers, sisters, and daughters.
4.  Women continue to serve in more dynamic and operational capacities than ever before.  The Marine Corps’ commitment to ensuring women are afforded every opportunity to serve guarantees the institution maintains the highest level of warfighting effectiveness.  Only through maximizing the contributions of all Marines can America’s number one fighting force continue to answer the call of the Nation.  The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend, treating everyone equally, and with dignity and respect.
5.  As a Service, we seek to take full advantage of the talents, strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine.  During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of women – military, veterans, and civilians - to our country and Corps.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities.
6.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//