TORII STATION, Okinawa, Japan - Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director for DoDDS- Pacific/DDESS-Guam will deliver remarks at 3:00 p.m. on August 24 at the Torii Station Theater. Women’s Equity Day is a celebration to commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The amendment was ratified in 1920, nearly 144 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In her remarks, Dr. Bresell will discuss the progress toward equality as well as the work that still needs to be done. “Nearly 87 years after the passage of the amendment we have witnessed tremendous progress toward equality, yet the work of creating a more perfect nation is never ending. Today, we continue to build on the equality born of the civil rights movement to ensure that every person enjoys the incredible opportunity that the United States offers. That means, among other things, a decent education and a good school for every child, a chance for women to own a home or business, and the hope that comes from knowing that, with hard work and using your God-given talents, everyone can succeed. It also means equal pay for equal work, something that for women is still a goal,” said Bresell.
“So my message is bitter/sweet…yes we do have much to be proud of and although it took us 144 years to cast the first vote…we have accomplished much over the past 87 years. But women need to embrace their talents and abilities. Let us never forget the sacrifice made by millions of women before us and the significance of voting. This very special privilege cannot be taken for granted. For many have paid the ultimate sacrifice by defending the freedoms and liberties we cherish. Let us never forget that our freedom was paid for with a tremendous price. Women paid a big part of that cost,” she explained. |
