Women's Equality Day

On this date, August 26, 2007, we commemorate the adoption of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees a woman's right to vote. The extraordinary accomplishments at the Seneca Falls convention in 1848, where strong, leading women believed that "all men AND women were created equal" should be honored to the highest degree.

Since that convention, the women's rights movement has grown strong and continues to thrive across the country. The 19th Amendment does not only represents equality among genders to partake in one of the defining principles of our democracy, but also a great change for women's opportunities.

There have been great achievements made by women throughout history that should be honored and praised. From Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Margaret Sanger, to Madeline Albright, Amelia Earhart, and Barbara Walters - all should be commended.

Even today, women have continued to rise above. Just this past year, Nancy Pelosi became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Hillary Rodham Clinton, if elected in 2008, will become the first woman President of the United States.

So as today is designated Women's Equality Day, we must celebrate and honor the audacity, intellect, and great accomplishments of women. Without their hard work and leadership, our country would not be half of what it is today. I salute you all!