North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa), the newly appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Women Veterans, is inviting women veterans from across New York State to join her and her colleagues for a recognition ceremony for women veterans at the State Capitol in Albany on Monday, June 13th.

“This annual event commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. The act enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Armed Forces and was a major triumph for military women, the Armed Forces and the country as a whole,” said Russell, whose Assembly district includes a portion of Fort Drum, home of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division.

Women veterans are invited to attend a special ceremony at the onset of the Assembly Session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chamber at the Capitol. Assemblywoman Russell and her Assembly colleagues will honor women veterans by taking up a resolution to declare June 12, 2011 as Women Veterans’ Recognition Day in New York State, commemorating the 63rd Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The Assembly will also take up a resolution to memorialize the state’s Congressional delegation to pass the Defense Sexual Trauma Response Oversight and Good Governance Act. Prior to the ceremony there will be a luncheon for those veterans attending the ceremony in room 104-A of the Legislative Office Building. It will begin at 11:00 a.m.

“It is important for each and every one of us to honor the brave women that have selflessly answered our nation’s call to service, including those women veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Russell. “New Yorkers will never forget our military heroes, and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Women Veterans I will work to ensure that we honor their sacrifices and provide them with the care and opportunities they deserve when they come home.”

While in Albany, Assemblywoman Russell encourages women veterans to visit the New York State Women Veterans Memorial located on Madison Avenue near the New York State Museum.

Those interested in attending the ceremony and luncheon should contact Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell by June 10th by phone at (315) 786-0284 or by email at russella@assembly.state.ny.us.