ANA is pleased to support bipartisan, bicameral legislation to honor Cadet Nurses who served during World War II by distinguishing them as honorary veterans, as well as providing them with burial privileges. U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH)  introduced the legislation on April 3, close to the birthday of former Rep. Frances Bolton (R-OH), who founded the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps and was born on March 29, 1885. U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Steve Daines (R-MO) re-introduced the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act in the Senate. 

"The Cadet Nurses answered the call of duty to fill a critical need during World War II," said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. "We are proud to support this bill to acknowledge and recognize these women for their selfless service to their country."  

The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps was established in 1943 during World War II to address nursing shortages. Former Cadet Nurses have been longtime advocates for being granted honorary veteran status – which this specific bill does. This legislation has garnered the support of organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.