FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Brooke Army Medical
Center hosted a post-wide event at the Fort Sam Houston Theater Aug. 26 to commemorate Women’s
Equality Day.
Women’s Equality Day celebrates the 19th Amendment to the
United States Constitution which was certified as law Aug. 26, 1920, granting
women the right to vote.
“On Women’s Equality Day we commemorate and pay a debt of
gratitude to the trailblazers who fought for our suffrage and made a more just
and prosperous future for all of us,” said acting BAMC Commander Army Col.
Richard Evans, deputy commander for nursing.
“We honor these courageous heroes and celebrate how far we
have come in the decades since and acknowledge that there is still work to be
done.
“In the 95 years since the 19th amendment was certified
women have made strides in every facet of American life and we have learned
that our country succeeds when women succeed,” Evans added.
Evans listed many of the positive impacts women have made
throughout U.S. history.
“We can only chart the way ahead with esteemed women leaders
like our guest today,” Evans said, introducing guest speaker retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Evy Lacy, who currently
serves as the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program manager
at the Southern Regional Medical
Command.
Lacy spoke about the women in history who played a part in
the suffrage movement and the challenges our past generations have faced.
“Thanks to the strong voices of the past … we can now say
that all citizens are created equal under the law. We can recognize and
celebrate women in all walks of life,” she said.
Lacy listed several female military leaders who are present
day role models such as Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army Surgeon General
and commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, as well as retired Gen.
Ann E. Dunwoody, who was the first woman
four-star general officer.
“I believe it is my
responsibility and yours to value, to encourage and to prepare all young women
and men for the challenges ahead so that they are ready to be successful
contributors to the global society of the future,” Lacy said.
She encouraged
everyone not to forget the past and to celebrate the progress we have made.
“Let’s renew our hope and commitment as U.S citizens that
others around the world will someday enjoy the freedom and opportunities that
we enjoy,” Lacy said.
“As part of the strongest and most progressive country in
the world let’s do our part to ensure everyone regardless of race, religion,
gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or age can realize
their dream; the dream that all things are possible for all people.”