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Department of Veterans and Military Families

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families to Host 2026 Women Veterans Recognition Day Event

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 9, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, in partnership with the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, the Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights, the Baltimore City Women's Commission, and Baltimore City Veterans Commission, will host Maryland's 2026 Women Veterans Recognition Day Event on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Baltimore City War Memorial, located at 101 N. Gay Street in Baltimore. Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the program running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Held annually in observance of National Women Veterans Recognition Day, this year's theme, "Honoring, Empowering, and Connecting Our Women Veterans," celebrates the service and achievements of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event will bring together women veterans living and working throughout Maryland, along with military families, community leaders, advocates, and partners, to recognize their contributions and strengthen connections across the state's military-connected community. 

Women Veterans Recognition Day is a national commemoration marking the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948. Signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, the legislation granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military, marking a historic milestone in the nation's armed forces and expanding opportunities for generations of women who answered the call to serve.

"As we commemorate National Women Veterans Recognition Day, we proudly recognize the women veterans whose service, sacrifice, and leadership have strengthened our nation, our military, and our communities," said Secretary Ed Rothstein, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  "Throughout my 30-year military career, I served alongside brave women whose tactical excellence and leadership kept our missions moving forward. Today, those same veterans are driving Maryland’s economy, leading local businesses, and anchoring our communities. It is important that Maryland continues to honor and elevate the contributions of women veterans at the state level while working alongside our local, state, federal, and community partners to ensure they remain connected to the resources, opportunities, and support they have earned."

“Women Veterans Recognition Day is more than a celebration, it is an opportunity to honor the courage, sacrifice, and leadership of the women who have served our nation. Through this event, we are not only recognizing the invaluable contributions of women veterans, the event will also serve as a powerful reminder that the service, sacrifice, and leadership of women veterans have strengthened our nation for generations, said Women Veterans and Inclusion Program Manager Roslyn Jones, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “Through initiatives like WVIP Ambassador Program, we are ensuring they remain connected, supported, and empowered in every corner of Maryland."

The event will also highlight opportunities that support women veterans beyond military service, including entrepreneurship, professional development, and community leadership. A featured moment of the program will be the official launch of the Women Veterans Ambassador Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen outreach, advocacy, leadership development, and peer-to-peer engagement among women veterans across Maryland. 

"Maryland's more than 1,100 VSBE-certified businesses are a vital part of our economic mobility ecosystem. At DoSEM, we are committed to ensuring veteran-owned small businesses have the access, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, compete, and be economically prosperous in Maryland,” said Secretary Walter L. Simmons, Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility.

"Women are one of the fastest-growing segments of the veteran population, yet many still face barriers to recognition, services, and support after their military service ends,”  said The City of Baltimore’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights Director and Baltimore City Chief Equity Officer Amber Greene. “Events like Women Veterans Recognition Day help ensure that the women who served our nation are not only acknowledged for their service and commitment, but connected to the opportunities, resources, and networks they deserve. We are proud that Baltimore's historic War Memorial will serve as the backdrop for this important statewide celebration.” 

During the event, the six women veterans selected as the inaugural ambassadors will be introduced and recognized for their commitment to serving as leaders, advocates, and connectors within Maryland's women veteran community.