FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 2, 2015) -- Fort Benning celebrated Women's Equality Day with its annual observance Aug. 26 at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Derby Auditorium.
The theme of the day, "Celebrating Women's Right to Vote," was based on the U.S. Congress designation of Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day in 1971. The date commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.
"Organize, agitate, educate, must be our war cry," a quote by prominent American suffragist Susan B. Anthony, was heard throughout the observance.
Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence, gave the opening remarks. Miller recognized the late Capt. Jennifer Moreno, an Army nurse who was killed in Afghanistan while attempting to assist a wounded Soldier during a roadside bomb explosion. She was posthumously promoted to captain and awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
He also recognized Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, who recently became the first women to graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger Course.
"A year ago, we were in the beginning stages of the idea of integrating the U.S. Army Ranger School from a gender standpoint," Miller said. "And what a difference a year makes."
Miller commended the women on their graduation, adding that their accomplishment in no way diminishes that of their male counterparts and that "96 Rangers graduated on Aug. 21 - two just happend to be women."
Maureen Gottfried, Chattahoochee circuit judge, was the guest speaker for the event. She has worked in the Georgia judicial system for over 25 years. From judicial appointments to the rising numbers of private businesses, Gottfried said the fight for equality continues to create better opportunities for women today.
"I come from a Family of strong women, and I've raised two equally strong women," Gottfried said. "And growing up, if you told me I couldn't do something just because I was a girl, I would do it just to prove you wrong."
Gottfried spoke of the importance of everyone believing in their potential, and understanding that many of the restrictions on people in society are placed there by the people themselves.
"I do not want to be the best female judge in Georgia; I just want to be the best judge," she said. "Don't limit yourself by your labels. True equality can't always be enforced by the law; you won't have it until you move out of the label mindset."
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