Okaloosa County BOCC — August 24, 2013 — Women's Equality proclamation — reading text

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, August 26, 2013 is the 93rd anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the United States. The call for women’s right to vote was voiced at the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848, and was finally won by the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Each year a Presidential Proclamation recognizes the hard work and perseverance of those who have helped secure women's suf- frage. This 72 year non-violent campaign was waged by tens of thousands - grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and their supporters; and WHEREAS, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially approved. For over three generations, American suffragists played a major role in “writing women back into history.” They remembered and honored the women who came before them, and they preserved their stories in the monumental book series, The History of Woman Suffrage; and WHEREAS, at a time when women were meant to be seen and not heard, the suffragists braved censure and disgrace by speaking out on behalf of all women and organized for their rights. Remarkable women arose in each state and became part of history themselves when they successfully secured civil rights and political independence for American women. This 93rd Anniversary offers a special opportu- nity to pay tribute to their courage, determination and tenacity and to their lasting achievement; now, therefore, be it NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Okaloosa Board of County Commission- ers, does hereby proclaim Monday, August 26, 2013, as “WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY” in Okaloosa County, Florida and encourages all citizens to celebrate this unique and important anniversary, recognizing the role of suffragists and those who have followed in their footsteps, their role in improving the life of women and families in Okaloosa County, and for exercising their right to vote. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of August, 2013. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ DON R. AMUNDS CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT