FORT SAM HOUSTON -- Brooke Army Medical Center hosted a post-wide event at the Fort Sam Houston Theater Aug. 26 to commemorate Women's Equality Day.
Women's Equality Day celebrates the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution which was certified as law Aug. 26, 1920 granting women the right to vote.
Acting BAMC Commander Army Col. Richard Evans, deputy commander for nursing, opened the event saying, "On Women's Equality Day we commemorate and pay a debt of gratitude to the trailblazers who fought for our suffrage and made a more just and prosperous future for all of us," he said.
"Today, we honor these courageous heroes. We celebrate how far we have come in the decades since and acknowledge that there is still work to be done," Evans said.
"In the 95 years since the 19th amendment was certified women have made strides in every facet of American life and we have learned that our country succeeds when women succeed."
Evans listed many of the positive impacts women have made throughout U.S. history.
"We can only chart the way ahead with esteemed women leaders like our guest today," Evans said introducing guest speaker retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Evy Lacy, who currently serves as the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program manager at Southern Regional Medical Command.
Lacy spoke about the women in history who played a part in the suffrage movement and the challenges our past generations have faced.
"Thanks to the strong voices of the past … we can now say that all citizens are created equal under the law. We can recognize and celebrate women in all walks of life," she said.
Lacy listed several female military leaders who are present day role models such as Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army Surgeon General and commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, and retired Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody who was the first woman four-star general officer.
"I believe it is my responsibility and yours to value, to encourage, and prepare all young women and men for the challenges ahead so that they are ready to be successful contributors to the global society of the future," Lacy told the audience.
She encouraged everyone not to forget the past and to celebrate the progress we have made.
"Let's renew our hope and commitment as [U.S] citizens that others around the world will someday enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we enjoy," Lacy said.
"As part of the strongest and most progressive country in the world let's do our part to ensure everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or age can realize their dream; the dream that all things are possible for all people."
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