The Greenbrier County Commission has proclaimed August 26, 2020 as the “day of celebration of the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.”
At a meeting of the County Commissioners held on Tuesday, October 13, Commissioner Tammy Tincher read the proclamation before making a motion for its approval.
“This is a proclamation for the 19th Amendment Centennial commemoration. Whereas, in August of 1920, the 19th Amendment to our constitution was ratified, securing the right to vote for women, and taking a monumental step towards the more-perfect Union envisioned by our founders. And whereas, this milestone in American history was the product of the tireless efforts of suffragists and other advocates for women’s rights, who steadfastly pursued their vision for a more just and equal society. Whereas the daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of the women who fought so hard to vote have been making their voices heard at the polls for 100 years, and women are running for office in unprecedented numbers. Whereas this centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment represents a historical milestone to be celebrated. Whereas we commemorate this historic event, we also celebrate the incredible economic, political and social contributions women have made to our nation. Now therefore, we be here resolved, that we, the Greenbrier County Commission, do hereby proclaim and honor August 26th, 2020, as the day of celebration of the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in Greenbrier County, and encourage all people to commemorate the efforts of the women’s suffrage movement, to recognize the full value of women’s skills and significant contributions to our county’s and state’s labor force.”
After reading the proclamation, Commissioner Tincher said: “I would be very happy to make a motion to approve this proclamation for the Amendment.”
The motion to make the proclamation was passed by a unanimous vote.
The bill that would eventually become the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, was originally introduced to Congress in 1878. The bill sought to prohibit both state and federal government from denying women the right to vote based solely upon their gender. After several blocked-attempts, a newer version of the bill eventually made its way through the House of Representatives in May 1919, before being passed by the Senate two-weeks later. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was certified and signed into law by U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby, making the United States the twenty-seventh nation in the world to grant women the right to vote in general elections.
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