[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3870
 
PROCLAMATION 8040--AUG. 21, 2006



Proclamation 8040 of August 21, 2006
Women's Equality Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The ratification of our Constitution's 19th Amendment on August 26,
1920, marked a turning point for America as women were guaranteed the
right to vote. On Women's Equality Day, we celebrate this milestone and
pay tribute to the inspiring individuals who stepped forward and asked
our Nation to live up to its founding principle of equality for all.
The struggle for women's rights is a story of strong women joining
together to break down the barriers to equality. With courage and
determination, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony,
and other suffragists inspired generations of women and helped change
the path of our Nation's history. The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848
sparked a mass movement for women's voting rights that gained support
from women of all ages and backgrounds. In 1890, Wyoming became the
first State whose constitution allowed women to vote, and by 1918, women
could vote in 14 additional States. Two years later, women secured
nationwide suffrage with the passage of the 19th Amendment. By demanding
participation in the democratic process, these visionaries helped spread
freedom, justice, and hope for generations to come.
Women today are continuing the suffragists' legacy of leadership and
strength. They are shaping the future through their contributions to all
aspects of American life, including science, law, business, education,
athletics, and the arts. They are serving our Nation with honor and
distinction in our Armed Forces. American women have served as examples
for women in other countries in their efforts to increase their
participation in civic and political life. Our Nation remains committed
to advancing the equality of women in the world's newest democracies and
fighting threats to women around the globe.
The courage of American suffragists made our Nation a stronger and more
hopeful place, and we will continue to build an America where the
dignity of every person is respected and where opportunity is within
reach of all our citizens. On Women's Equality Day, we honor the
contributions and accomplishments of women throughout our history, and
we pay tribute to all those who helped bring equality to women in
America.
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, 2006, as
Women's Equality Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
celebrate the achievements of women and observe this day with
appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH