2/1 Air Defense hosts Area IV Women’s Equality Day Observance

Courtesy Photo | An audience attends a Women’s Equality Day Observance Ceremony hosted by 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Aug. 31, 2018 at Camp Carroll near Waegwan, Republic of Korea. In 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” (U.S. army photo by Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army by Pfc. Taegun Kim)  

27, SOUTH KOREA

08.31.2018

Courtesy Story

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

In honor of Women’s Equality Day, personnel with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade hosted an Area IV Women’s Equality Day Observance Ceremony Aug. 31, 2018 at Camp Carroll near Waegwan, Republic of Korea.
“Today honors the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote on August 26, 1920. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment today,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron W. Wheeler, the senior enlisted leader with the 2/1 ADA.
Wheeler welcomed the special guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Jacqueline Elaine Peachers, the Special Troops Battalion senior enlisted leader, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade.
“Had it not been for some truly remarkable women in our history, I would not be here today,” said Peachers. “There are an extraordinary number of women that have contributed to our history and has brought us to this moment.”
Peachers spoke more on the important amendment.
“The 19th amendment that was signed in 1920 prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. This amendment to our constitution, not only gave women the right to vote, but it truly gave women a ‘voice’,” said Peachers.
Peachers ended her speech by quoting Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the first woman to serve as a 4-Star Army General, “‘A hero is an everyday, ordinary person who has done something extraordinary. Honor them, praise them, and hope you will stand for what you believe in during a time of need.’”
During the observance, guides escorted groups of 20 people each to a small march through history with each station being in chronological order. The stations highlighted the prominent people who fought for women’s right and the women’s suffrage movement. This tour gave the participants an opportunity to learn the history of women’s rights and the struggles women had to overcome.
At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug, in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate in Women's Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, and other activities.
Story by Kwon, Ki Yong, Materiel Support Command-Korea Public Affairs Specialist

• Date Taken: 08.31.2018
• Date Posted: 09.07.2018 01:36
• Story ID: 291408
• Location: 27, KR