Jack Dalrymple

Gov. Jack Dalrymple has signed into law a bill that honors North Dakota’s women veterans who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the U.S. throughout the nation’s history.

During a Tuesday ceremony at the state Capitol in Bismarck, Dalrymple signed House Bill 1167, which directs the governor to issue a proclamation each year designating March as Women Veterans Month to honor and remember the surviving and departed women veterans in the state.

He was joined at the Capitol by legislators and veterans representing America’s wars and conflicts since World War II.

In a written statement, Dalrymple said women veterans have made “significant” contributions to the nation’s defense and success with their military service.

“Women veterans have a long and proud history of service to this state and nation, and today, we recognize them for the integral role they have played in defending our homeland and preserving freedom around the world,” Dalrymple wrote.

Bette Grande

The bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Bette Grande, R-Fargo, said women have served in all wars and conflicts, something that’s often forgotten.

“The history of women in the military is a history of love for country, service, commitment, dedication and courage, and it includes sacrifices that have largely gone unrecognized,” she wrote. “That is changing, and we must be part of that change.”

Dalrymple also paid tribute to North Dakota’s Vietnam veterans and issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in the state.