PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio of Monterey community and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center celebrated Women's Equality Day at the Presidio's Tin Barn Aug. 5.
The theme of this year's celebration is "Continuing to honor women of character, courage, and commitment."
Women's Equality Day commemorates the date 26 Aug. 1920, when the right to vote for women was enshrined in the U.S. constitution as the 19th amendment.
The event was hosted and sponsored by the 314th Training Squadron, was marked with speeches, visual displays and a reception.
Following the national anthem, sung by the DLIFLC Choir and an invocation by Air Force Chaplain Capt. John Schuck, guest speaker Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Shelly Kiesling took the lectern to speak about her experiences serving in the military and the many women mentors and leaders who were instrumental to her personal and professional growth.
Delivering the event's closing remarks Air Force Lt. Col. Allison Galford, commander of the 314th Training Squadron, pointed out that women in uniform still face hurdles to equality."When women are true equals they make the DOD system stronger for everyone." said Galford.
"I encourage everyone to recognize the accomplishments of all women of our workforce --military and civilian -- and in doing so, honor their struggle for equality and the progress they've made." said Galford. "Even if we still have a long way to go."
THE ORIGINS OF WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY
Women's Equality Day is proclaimed each year by the United States President to commemorate the granting of the vote to women throughout the country on an equal basis with men. Women in the United States were granted the right to vote on Aug. 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was added to the United States Constitution. The amendment was first introduced many years earlier, in 1878. Since 1971 every president has published a proclamation in recognition of Women's Equality Day.
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