ALCOAST 273/19 - AUG 2019 WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

R 261002 AUG 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05350//
ALCOAST 273/19
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY
1. On August 26, our Nation celebrates the anniversary of the 19th
Amendment, which established American women's right to vote. The quest for
this right started in the Mid 19th century and culminated, almost 75 years
later, with the incorporation of the Nineteenth Amendment into the
U.S. Constitution on August 26, 1920.
2. American women began their organized fight for equality during
the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848. 
They demanded the right to vote as well as more broad-based economic,
political and social reforms. The fight was never easy, and for the next
72 years, they lobbied, marched, picketed and protested until, finally,
on May 21, 1919 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Susan B.
Anthony Amendment, which was approved by the Senate on June 4th, thus
guaranteeing women the right to the ballot. After this great victory in
Congress, the Amendment had to be ratified by at least three fourths
of the then 48 States in order to be integrated into the Constitution.
Tennessee was the last State to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on August
18, 1920.  Eight days later, on August 26, Secretary of State Bainbridge
Colby issued a proclamation declaring that the Nineteenth Amendment,
establishing the American women’s right to vote, was part of the U.S.
Constitution. 
3. Today, more than 68 million American women freely use this hard fought
for right made a reality by courageous and tenacious suffragists. These
women never gave up on their quest for equality and their right to vote.
4. All Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to use this special
observance as an opportunity to highlight the contributions and
achievements of military and civilian women to our Service, our Nation,
and the world.
5. POC is Mr. Juan Torres, juan.l.torres@uscg.mil or (202)372-4594.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.