[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I wish to take a moment to 
recognize the month of March as Women's History Month. In our not-so-
distant past, women could not vote, own property or maintain wages. 
Women were not expected to think independently of their husbands, and 
their work was limited to the household. But even when considered 
second class citizens, it was our mothers, daughters and sisters who 
prepared the next generation of Americans for the challenges that lay 
ahead. As Kofi Annan famously said, ``When women thrive, all of society 
benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in 
life.''
  Without the American woman's devotion to society, our nation would 
not be the same. Countless women disguised themselves as men during the 
Revolutionary War to join the fight for independence. While their 
husbands, brothers and fathers fought the war abroad, women answered 
the call by working in factories, sending the allied forces to victory 
in WWII. Today, American women of every color and background protect 
our nation at home and abroad by serving in our Armed Forces. Parents 
tell their children that women can be anything they dream of--soldiers, 
lawyers, doctors, teachers, and mothers--without doubt or hesitation.
  Chicago's own women have contributed to their communities in 
significant ways. Carol Moseley-Braun, the first black female senator, 
attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of 
Chicago Law School. Ms. Moseley-Braun was elected to the U.S. Senate in 
1992 where she introduced several bills that influenced education 
policy. Prior to becoming senator, she served as a member of the House 
of Representatives for ten years. Carol Moseley-Braun is recognized for 
her efforts in education reform and the years she dedicated to serving 
the state of Illinois. She is truly an example for our young women.
  Michelle Obama, our first black First Lady, has contributed greatly 
to the city of Chicago and to her country. Mrs. Obama, a graduate of 
Princeton University and Harvard Law, is an extraordinary example of 
grace and success for all women. She proves that women can do it all--
have a high-powered career, be a devoted mother and wife, contribute to 
her community, and even campaign. As an advocate for national service 
and helping working women balance family and career, the First Lady 
continues to show that there is no limit to what a woman can do.
  I salute the women who have sacrificed so much to serve our country. 
Each woman benefits our society in her own way, and whether an artist 
or a doctor, a teacher or a lawyer, a mother or a soldier every woman's 
success encourages future generations of young girls and women to 
follow their dreams. I am proud to recognize March as Women's History 
Month in our great nation.

                          ____________________