Women's Equality Day, 2005

Proclamation 7918 of August 25, 2005

Women's Equality Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the
Constitution was adopted, guaranteeing American women
the right to vote. The passage of this amendment was
the culmination of a long struggle that reached back to
the founding of the country and was furthered by the
1848 women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New
York. By celebrating Women's Equality Day, we
commemorate the adoption of this amendment and honor
the visionary women who fought tirelessly for women's
suffrage.

Led by women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B.
Anthony, and Lucretia Mott, the suffragists stood up
against injustice and persevered until, as Susan B.
Anthony wrote, the handful who first took a stand for
suffrage grew into an army. The efforts of these
pioneers helped secure for American women the right to
vote.

Since the adoption of the 19th Amendment, women have
continued to make great contributions to our Nation.
Women today are leaders in medicine, law, journalism,
business, government, and other professions. They are
doctors and mothers, teachers and lawyers, homemakers
and pilots, artists and entrepreneurs. Women also are
serving with great honor in our Armed Forces as we
fight a war on terror and defend our freedoms. The hard
work of American women is essential to the strength and
vitality of our country.

One hundred and fifty-seven years after the Seneca
Falls Convention, we continue to work so that all
people can enjoy their God-given rights. This Women's
Equality Day, as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of
the 19th Amendment, we honor the perseverance,
leadership, and achievements of the suffragists and all
of America's women, and we renew our commitment to
equal justice and dignity for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2005, as Women's
Equality Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate programs
and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B