[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 34 (Monday, August 28, 2006)]
[Page 1493]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8040--Women's Equality Day, 2006

 August 21, 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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., August 23, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
24.