Women’s Equality Day was established by Joint Resolution of Congress in 1971. Women’s Equality Day is observed on the 26th day of August and commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. The observance has grown to include focusing attention on women’s continued efforts toward gaining full equality. The continuing theme is “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote.”
The passage of the 19th Amendment is a testament to the courage and tenacity of the women and men who challenged the nation to live up to its founding principles. The legacy of brave women who served and continue to serve our nation and the Department of Defense (DOD), further inspire us to strive for liberty and equality for all Americans.
FACTS
The woman suffrage movement began in 1848, when the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, led by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
The 19th Amendment was finally proposed to Congress on June 14, 1919. The amendment could not become law without the ratification by a minimum of 36 of the 48 states. On August 26, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to vote “yea,” ratifying the 19th Amendment into law.
The passage of the 19th Amendment is a testament to the courage and tenacity of the women — and men — who challenged the nation to live up to its founding principles.
The legacy of brave women who served, and continue to serve, our nation and the Department of Defense, further inspire us to strive for liberty and equality for all Americans.
On Aug. 21, 2015, for the first time in its more than 65-year history, two women, Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Harver, graduated from the grueling 62-day Army Ranger course and earned the coveted Ranger tab. Less than two months later, 37-year-old mother and engineer Major Lisa Jaster, and first Army Reservist earned her Ranger tab.
In April this year, Air Force General Lori Robinson was approved by the Senate as commander of the U.S. Northern Command, becoming the country’s first female combatant commander.
In May of 2016, the Navy’s highest-ranking female officer, Admiral Michelle Howard, was nominated by President Barack Obama to lead U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
The Marine Corps graduated its first female artillery officers: Second Lieutenants Virginia Brodie and Katherine Boy at the Field Artillery Basic Officers Leadership Course on May 12, 2016.
In the 96 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified, women have made strides in every facet of American life. We have learned that our country succeeds when women succeed.
For more information, contact MSgt Tammy Butler, tammy.butler@us.af.mil, 586-9738 or Mrs. Irene Jones, irene.jones.1@us.af.mil, 777-9035.
