Women's Equality Day, 2003

Proclamation 7695 of August 26, 2003

Women's Equality Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on
August 26, 1920, guaranteed the right to vote for
American women. Women's Equality Day commemorates this
constitutional amendment and is an opportunity for
citizens across our country to honor those who took
part in the long and difficult struggle for women's
suffrage, as well those since 1920 who have continued
to fight for equal rights for women.

Beginning with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848,
women's suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched,
and lobbied for enfranchisement of American women.
Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia
Mott led this movement and advocated an amendment to
the Constitution that would guarantee women the right
to vote. Through their vision and dedication, these
women advanced the fight for equal rights.

Today, American women are making a difference in their
communities and workplaces. Women's accomplishments in
education, business, science, art, medicine, athletics,
and every other field have made America better and
stronger. The courage and determination of American
women are exemplified in the personnel serving in our
Armed Forces. Women across America are also helping to
secure our country by serving as police officers,
firefighters, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and first-
responders.

Americans believe in opportunity for all and on this
day, we honor the achievements of women who have
charted the path to equal opportunity.

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, 2003, 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-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B