The annual wreath-laying ceremony historically held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor women veterans was canceled this year because several military branches declined to participate, including the Air Force and Navy.
The branches cited President Trump’s Executive Order 14185 and guidance issued by Pete Hegseth’s Department of Defense entitled “Identity Months Dead at DOD,” which they interpret as barring the military from attending an event that honors women.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), led by Vice Chair Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH), hosted a press conference to honor the fallen servicewomen and women veterans who were to be honored at the ceremony.
An Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the service “declined participation in compliance with Executive Orders … and DoW guidance.” https://t.co/Vqn65R2mAU
— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) June 11, 2026
Several Democratic congresswomen spoke at the press conference, including fellow DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (D-MI), who said: “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.”
Trump’s latest culture war target? Women veterans.
His Pentagon blocked military participation in a long-standing wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen women service members, citing anti-DEl executive orders.
I stand with our women veterans. pic.twitter.com/8VaYuMYqME
— Rep. Adelita Grijalva (@Rep_Grijalva) June 10, 2026
[NOTE: Hegseth’s “Identity Months Dead at DoD” directs the military to “not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.”]