Army Celebrates Women's Equality Day
What is it'
Women's Equality Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 26 to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Women's Suffrage Amendment, to the U.S. Constitution. As a result, U.S. women were given full voting rights in 1920. Today, Women's Equality Day remembers those who ensured women's equity and honors their historic achievements.
Women continue to make great sacrifices on behalf of the nation dating back to the American Revolutionary War when Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley ("Molly Pitcher") replaced her husband who collapsed at his cannon. The many achievements of women today include the promotion of Ann E. Dunwoody, Army Materiel Command commander, to four-star general in November 2008.
What has the Army done'
More than 170,000 women currently volunteer in today's Army. More than 16,000 are currently deployed and proving their exceptional patriotism and bravery. The U.S. Army Women's Museum at Fort Lee, Va., serves as an educational institution, providing military history training and instruction to Soldiers, veterans and the civilian community. The museum is the custodian and repository of artifacts and archival material pertaining to the service of women across all branches and organizations of the U.S. Army from inception to the present day. The museum collects, preserves, manages, interprets and exhibits these unique artifacts as a means to provide training and educational outreach.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'
One only has to visit the Women's Military Memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery to bear witness to female Soldier's courageous actions. The Army has plans to hold a panel discussion there today while installations worldwide will continue to celebrate its female Soldiers and their many sacrifices with appropriate and pertinent activities and events.
Why is this important to the Army'
In last year's proclamation the president said to reflect on the sacrifices once made to allow women and girls the basic rights and choices we freely exercise today. These rights and privileges include serving side by side with their male Army counterparts.
The people who make up the Army are courageous and patriotic. They come from all walks of life and have a wide range of ability. Women are crucial in today's operations at home and abroad. Women take on these roles with the heart of a warrior and prove that the U.S. Army is the strength of the nation.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.army.mil/women" target="_blank"> Women in the U.S. Army</a>
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