MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents celebrated Women’s Equality Day during a luncheon at the Station Library Aug. 24.
The holiday, which is observed Aug. 26, is meant to commemorate women’s rights. Guests brought their own lunch as they listened to a speech about the history of the women who fought for women’s right to vote, often referred to as suffragettes and had cake during a women’s suffrage documentary.
“It’s a celebration of the women’s fight for equality throughout the years and the 19th amendment granting them the right to vote,” said Master Sgt. Robert E. Raines, Station equal opportunity advisor and native of Detroit.
Belinda J. Pugh, Station Library supervisor and native of Winchester, Va., explained the importance of Women’s Equality Day is to remember the struggles of the suffragettes but also the contributions from women in history, especially of those who first entered the work force during World War I, taking the jobs men had left to go to war.
During the luncheon, Sharon L. VanDerveer University of Maryland University College professor and native of Syracuse, N.Y., addressed the group of the difficulties women faced to attain the ratification of the 19th Amendment dressed as a suffragette.
“I thought it was very interesting, all the information and all the history of how our rights began,” said Sgt. Lekisha M. Montgomery, Combat Logistics Company 36 supply platoon sergeant and native of Barclay, Md. “If it weren’t for their suffrage, today (we) as women would not be in the service.”
Staff Sgt. Linda L. Gause CLC-36 warehouse chief and native of Marion, S.C., said her favorite part of the presentation was the documentary because it was an enjoyable history lesson. For next year, she would like to see more guests at the presentation.
“History repeats itself, not in the cliché way we think about, but history has shown us it’s important to know where our rights come from,” said Gause. “When those women started (suffrage) it was small, but they kept with it and it has gotten us to where we are today.
“I even felt that I should have brought my daughter,” added Gause. “When (children) are small they can take the (positive) message and grow with it.”
Raines explained although women composed the majority of the audience during the luncheon, the positive message was something everyone can be proud of.
“The things that these women have done are important for all Americans, both male and female,” said Raines.