SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, has been active in advocating for the recognition of the "Hello Girls," women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I. Through a series of tweets on December 12, 2024, Rep. Cleaver announced significant legislative progress concerning their acknowledgment.

On December 12, 2024, Rep. Cleaver tweeted about the historical significance of the "Hello Girls," stating: "The 'Hello Girls' were more than 220 women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, who were instrumental in maintaining communications that enabled the allied victory in WWI." He further mentioned that his legislation to award them the Congressional Gold Medal had passed in the House.

In another tweet posted on December 12, 2024, he expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and supporters: "As the bipartisan bill heads to the Senate, I want to thank @RepSamGraves, @RepDavids, the families of the Hello Girls, and everyone who helped make this possible." Rep. Cleaver emphasized that their service deserves recognition from a grateful nation.

Finally, on December 12, 2024, Rep. Cleaver highlighted an important aspect of history by noting: "Despite being the first women officially deployed to a combat zone in U.S. history, for decades the Hello Girls went unrecognized for their service to the nation in WWI." He noted that they would now receive Congress's highest honor.