Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) led by DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a press conference to honor fallen servicewomen, servicewomen, and women veterans. The event replaced the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ 28th Annual Women In Military Service Wreath Laying Ceremony, historically held at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying ceremony was canceled this year because several military branches declined to participate, citing Executive Order 14185 from President Trump and guidance from the Department of Defense entitled “Identity Months Dead at DOD” that they say barred the military from attending an event that honors women.

Our servicewomen risk everything to serve our country. To be met with anything other than respect and honor is a disgrace. At the press conference, Members spoke on the importance of recognizing women veterans and servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice. 

Members of Congress who spoke at the press conference included DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13), DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Air Force veteran & DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Co-Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and DWC members Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), who is also a veteran. Kayla Williams, a Vet Voice Senior Policy Advisor and an Army veteran, and Meredith Burns, a local Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Cavalry Member and veteran, also spoke.

At the event, DWC members paid tribute to fallen servicewomen and called out the importance of honoring and supporting servicewomen and women veterans:

"For nearly 30 years, this bipartisan wreath-laying ceremony has honored the service and sacrifice of America's women veterans. This year, military branches told us they could not participate because of President Trump's executive order and guidance issued by Secretary Hegseth's Department of Defense. The result was the cancellation of a ceremony dedicated to recognizing women who answered the call to serve. At a time when women veterans should be celebrated, the Trump-Hegseth Pentagon is sidelining them. We will continue to honor their service and speak out against efforts to diminish their contributions to our nation," said DWC Vice Chair Emila Sykes (OH-13).

“Our servicewomen risk everything to serve our country and for them to be met with anything other than respect and honor is an absolute disgrace. To every servicewoman and veteran, thank you for your service—we are forever grateful for your courage, sacrifice, and immense contributions to our country. Every day, I am proud to be a voice for you in Congress, and I will always fight for your equal treatment and respect,” DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03) said in part. 

“My Democratic Women’s Caucus colleagues—including those who served and those who honor those who served—are here today because we believe women in the military are a key strength to our national defense. We’re here because we will stand with them even when they’re not allowed to stand by the President, when they’re stripped of well-deserved promotions, and when they are not recognized for their courage and their intellect,” said DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “We will always be here for you because we know that this is not a partisan issue, it's a patriotic issue. Patriotism and honor for our country and for those who serve it is what has brought us all here today.”

"When did saying 'thank you' to women who have served become controversial? Women have answered every call this nation has asked of them. They have flown combat missions, commanded troops, cared for the wounded, gathered intelligence, and deployed into war zones alongside their male colleagues," said Air Force veteran and DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Co-Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). "Honoring our servicemembers should never be viewed as a political statement. It should be one of the easiest things we do. Gratitude does not require an executive order or permission from political appointees in Washington, D.C."

"Our military is stronger because of the women who have worn the uniform and who have sworn an oath to this great Constitution – I saw it firsthand when I served in the Navy," said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02). "Their service is central to the story of our country and to the story of our military. No executive order, no president, could ever erase it."