AUGUSTA – Lawmakers took steps during this year’s session to salute Maine women who have served in the armed forces.

A resolve that was signed Monday by Gov. John Baldacci establishes an eight-member commission to arrange for a monument to honor women veterans of Maine. A final report due next March will recommend an appropriate location and design for the monument.

The report will be reviewed by the Capitol Planning Commission.

About 200,000 people each year visit a Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery that was dedicated in 1997.

It’s the only major national memorial honoring women who have served in the nation’s defense during all eras and in all services.

Among the other bills signed since Saturday’s session adjournment is one asking the governor to set aside up to $100,000 previously appropriated by the Legislature but no longer needed for its intended purpose. The money is to assist communities affected by a Pentagon recommendation to close or scale back three military facilities in the state.