[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7918--AUG. 25, 2005
Proclamation 7918 of August 25, 2005
Women's Equality Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was adopted,
guaranteeing American women the right to vote. The passage of this
amendment was the culmination of a long struggle that reached back to
the founding of the country and was furthered by the 1848 women's rights
convention in Seneca Falls, New York. By celebrating Women's Equality
Day, we commemorate the adoption of this amendment and honor the
visionary women who fought tirelessly for women's suffrage.
Led by women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and
Lucretia Mott, the suffragists stood up against injustice and persevered
until, as Susan B. Anthony wrote, the handful who first took a stand for
suffrage grew into an army. The efforts of these pioneers helped secure
for American women the right to vote.
Since the adoption of the 19th Amendment, women have continued to make
great contributions to our Nation. Women today are leaders in

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medicine, law, journalism, business, government, and other professions.
They are doctors and mothers, teachers and lawyers, homemakers and
pilots, artists and entrepreneurs. Women also are serving with great
honor in our Armed Forces as we fight a war on terror and defend our
freedoms. The hard work of American women is essential to the strength
and vitality of our country.
One hundred and fifty-seven years after the Seneca Falls Convention, we
continue to work so that all people can enjoy their God-given rights.
This Women's Equality Day, as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the
19th Amendment, we honor the perseverance, leadership, and achievements
of the suffragists and all of America's women, and we renew our
commitment to equal justice and dignity for all.
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, 2005, 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-fifth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH