JTF GTMO Recognizes Women's Equality Day

Photo By Sgt. Zach Tomesh | Joint Task Force Guantanamo Troopers cut the cake at the JTF galley during the ceremony celebrating the 19th Amendment, Aug. 24. Women’s Equality Day was created to commemorate the Women’s Suffrage Movement’s achievement granting women the right to vote following the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 19th Amendment states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Zach Tomesh/112MPAD/JTF GTMO PAO)  

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

08.24.2018

Story by Sgt. Zach Tomesh 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba —
Joint Task Force Guantanamo recognized the 98th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day during a cake cutting ceremony on August 24. JTF GTMO Commander, Navy Rear Adm. John C. Ring, along with members of the command staff and JTF Troopers, attended the ceremony.

Women’s Equality Day was created to commemorate the Women’s Suffrage Movement’s achievement, granting women the right to vote following the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 19th Amendment states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex.

The observance of Women’s Equality Day has a further implication and impact than just the celebration of the 19th Amendment. For one JTF Trooper, Women’s Equality Day stands at the forefront of women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.

“As a service member, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the women that came before me,” she said. “The military is very progressive as it pertains to women’s rights.”

The service of women in World War I helped pave the path for the 19th Amendment and serves as a stepping stone for women’s rights activists.

A JTF Trooper noted how the 19th Amendment not only gives women the right to vote, but also set the stage for women joining the military ranks.

“The 19th Amendment paved the way for women in politics and authorizing women the right to enter into military service,” she said. “It was one of many firsts for women’s history.”

It wasn’t until the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 that women were granted permanent status in the Regular and Reserve forces of the military.

Women’s Equality Day was established by Congress in 1971 and is recognized annually on August 26.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2018
• Date Posted: 08.27.2018 15:16
• Story ID: 290463
• Location: NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CU