H.R. No. 1473 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Veteran Women's Enterprise Center is hosting an event to mark the fourth annual Women Veterans Day on June 12, 2021; and WHEREAS, The founder and director of the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center is V. R. Small, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and a dynamic advocate for women veterans; she testified in support of the bill passed in 2017 by the 85th Texas Legislature that designated June 12 of each year as Women Veterans Day; the inaugural observance fell on the 70th anniversary of the passage of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; and WHEREAS, Through the years, increasing numbers of American women have joined the nation's military, and their steadfast efforts in myriad capacities advance the missions of every branch of the armed forces; the experience and expertise they acquire during their service become immensely valuable assets to their communities when they return to civilian life, and the Lone Star State benefits significantly as home to the country's largest population of women veterans; and WHEREAS, The Veteran Women's Enterprise Center works to foster the professional development of these skilled and dynamic Texans, and accordingly, the center will be celebrating Women Veterans Day with its second annual Women Veteran's Pitch Competition, when a panel of judges will evaluate pitch proposals from women veterans for exciting new businesses; and WHEREAS, The brave women who have answered our nation's call to duty are a source of tremendous pride to all Texans, and it is truly a pleasure to join in honoring their courage, patriotism, and commitment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate Women Veterans Day 2021 and extend to the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center sincere best wishes for continued success in its important endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Neave ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1473 was adopted by the House on May 26, 2021, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House