Massachusetts recognizes U.S. Cadet nurses

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation recognizing U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps nurses who served in U.S. civilian hospitals during WWII. The action came on the eve of the Corps’ 77th anniversary and marked its first formal state recognition. The law designates July 1 as Cadet Nurses Day and allows a plaque to be hung in Nurses Hall at the State House. “It’s a day to celebrate,” said Betty Beecher, a 96-year old former cadet. “I feel like Neil Armstrong when he took his first step on the moon.” AONL is asking members to write letters in support of a national effort to include the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2019, S. 997, as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. (The Patriot Ledger story, 7/1/20)