In honor of Women\'s Equality Day, Fort McPherson invited Chief Judge M. Yvette Miller, chief judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia, to be the featured speaker at its Women's Equality Day program at the Commons at Fort McPherson Aug. 19.
"It is indeed my honor to introduce our guest speaker today, another exemplary example and role model of a woman removing barriers and leading from the front," said Col. Deborah B. Grays, U.S. Army Garrison commander. "She has moved history forward by becoming a first at many ventures in life."
As she looked out at her audience, Miller reflected out loud on the challenges women have faced to achieve parity, and of the effort still needed to fully realize that goal.
"Women have proven they can lead when they seize the opportunity," she said. "I want each of you to aspire to your highest level of development so you can be part of the solution."
Referring to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution (which granted women the right to vote), Miller also spoke about the integration of women in the realms of business, politics, government and the military.
However, she cautioned that women must not expect to be handed success; they must earn it.
"We don't want a woman in a position just because she's a woman," said Miller. "We want a woman in a position of power because she is the right person for the job." Speaking specifically about the military, she said women continue to break down barriers in both command and prestige.
"There is no reason that a woman can't be on the Joint Chiefs of Staff one day," Miller added.
Miller also addressed the men in the audience, thanking them and reminding them that women's issues are men's issues, as well.
She asked the men in the audience to raise their hands to illustrate her point. "Raise your hand if you have a mother, a sister, a daughter or a wife," she said. "If you do, then women's issues are important to you too. Let's solve these issues as a team, not as adversaries. You are all my heroes and she-roes. We are all part of the American team." Miller ended her speech by saying the time for more change in the lives of women is not in the past or future, but in the present.
"Today is the perfect day to start," she said. "Get moving and get to work." Miller's speech has moved and inspired her to make the most of her opportunities, said Staff Sgt. Mary Carr, chaplain assistant, Army Reserve Warrior Family Assistant Center. "Today was very motivational," she said "I took notes, and I'm going to use them to inspire the three girls of my own that I have at home."
Social Sharing