[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.
GEORGE W. BUSH


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