Audience members are taken on a historical journey through time as they learn about the pioneering women who began a movement for women’s rights and equality, during the Women’s Equality Day
celebration Aug. 25, 2017, at the Elkhorn Conference Center. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
By Alexandra Shea
Mountaineer staff
The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified Aug. 18, 1920, granting women the right to vote. Ninety-seven years later Fort Carson Soldier, civilians and Family members gathered at the Elkhorn Conference Center, Aug. 28, 2017, to celebrate the great strides of women throughout the ages that have cemented the rights and equality of women today.
Jill Tietjen, president and chief executive officer of Technically Speaking Inc. and author of several books, was this year’s Women’s Equality Day keynote speaker. Tietjen began her speech setting the scene during a time when women were considered the property of the men in their lives, whether it be a
father or husband, unable to own much of anything and could be legally imprisoned or beaten by these men.
She would continue, taking the audience on a historical journey through time and suffrage.
ill Tietjen, president and chief executive officer of Technically Speaking Inc. and author of several books, highlights women who
pioneered the women’s rights and equality movement during a Women’s Equality Day
observance Aug. 25, 2017, at the Elkhorn Conference Center. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
Tietjen shared about pioneers such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott and how a meeting for tea on July 13, 1848, in upstate New York would become a brainstorming session, mapping out a revolution to fight for women’s rights.
“It was up to the women to take action,” she said.
And action was taken when the Declaration of Sentiments was written. This controversial document outlines the rights that women were excluded from and was signed by 68 women and 32 men, large numbers during a time where internet and social media didn’t exist.
“A document (that’s) first paragraph is identical to its sister document, the Declaration of Independence,” said Tietjen. “In the second paragraph are words that, in 1848, were probably considered heresy.”
The document read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Tietjen said, “Think about the effort that took.”
She shared the story of Harry Burns, a Tennessee state legislator, and the letter he received from his mother encouraging him to vote for the ratification
of the 19th Amendment. The letter contained the now famous quote to “be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the ‘rat’ in ratification.” Because of this letter, Burns would become the turning vote in favor of the suffragettes and the 19th Amendment was ratified.
Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Aquillon, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, looks at a display of prominent women throughout the ages during the Women’s Equality Day
celebration at the Elkhorn Conference Center Aug. 25, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
From this day on women began taking opportunities to realize their dreams of serving in the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives and take active roles in the defense of the nation by becoming Soldiers.
Today, the 1994 Pentagon decision to ban women from serving in combat roles has been overturned thanks to the women throughout history who have fought for equal rights.
“Today is a great day to remember and to honor our past. We need to be clear eyed about our past and elevate those who have worked so hard to promote equality in our country, who have shaped our country to be what it is today,” said Col. Scott Gallaway, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.