Reporter Columnist
Aug. 26, 2020 is a special date for all of us as we celebrate and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which secured the right to vote for women. “Women’s Equality Day” is a day set aside for us to celebrate the right of women to vote which was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, ratified by the States on Aug. 18, 1920, and signed into law on Aug. 26, 1920.
The suffragists who protested (and yes, sometimes there indeed was violence involved during those protests) were organized, committed, and dedicated to having the right of all citizens to have a voice in their representation. There were also men who believed in the right of these women to cast their ballots, and we acknowledge and honor their commitment as well. Hats off to Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin as the first states to ratify the 19th Amendment.
It is important, indeed crucial, that in the same spirit of the 19th Amendment, we continue to seek an environment of opportunity for all women.
We are celebrating the passion and unwavering dedication of the women who struggled and persevered in the fight for suffrage. We all benefit from, and must encourage in our young women of today, the pursuit of leadership in education, medicine, government, law, business, military service and every other field which contributes to the greatness of this nation. I suggest everyone study the details of this historical event, and if you have young daughters and sons living at home discuss the importance of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution and the positive impact it has made on our country and our quality of life the past 100 years.
We contemplate this important anniversary on behalf of not only the female population of the United States, but in fact our entire population. Without the votes of women, many of the bills that have been passed and laws enacted which directly affect human dignity and lives would not have come to fruition. I am proud to say that I have four grandsons growing up in a society in which they will understand that equality, representation, respect for both genders and all races, and anti-discrimination are the hallmarks of what Benjamin Franklin is credited as saying, “It is a republic, if you can keep it.” I pray that we can keep it.
As we reflect on the hard work, sacrifices, and diligence of these early suffragists, we should also ask ourselves why, 100 years later, the State of Indiana has never elected a female governor or a female United States Senator. We are also under-represented in local government and in the state legislatures.
It is time – and whether those women would be Republicans, Democrats, or Independents is irrelevant to the importance of the representation of women in our state and the Congress of the United States. I encourage all women who believe they can make a difference in our world to step up and consider how you can represent your fellow citizens in a legislative role.
And, please, fellow Americans, do not miss the opportunity to vote – in the upcoming election and every local, state, and federal election to come. Over 1.1 million Americans from the Revolutionary War until present day died in combat and conflict to protect this right. Joining in their efforts are the women who did not give up on the struggle to secure the right of every American to vote, so please do your part by participating in this great and precious responsibility.
Sharon McMahon serves as the Regent of the Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, NSDAR.