President Theodore Roosevelt signs the Naval Appropriations Bill, establishing the Navy Nurse Corps.
On May 13, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Naval Appropriations Bill, officially establishing the United States Navy Nurse Corps. This legislation authorized the appointment of the first group of women to formally serve in the Navy, known as the 'Sacred Twenty'. This marked a monumental change in military history, as for the first time, women were recognized as formal members of the U.S. Navy. This was a groundbreaking moment for gender equality, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity in professional roles traditionally held by men.