Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois State Sen. John F. Curran acknowledged the 52nd commemoration of Women's Equality Day. This year is the 103rd anniversary of women getting the right to vote.

"In 1919, Illinois became the FIRST state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, finally empowering women with the right to vote in all elections," Curran said in a Facebook post on Aug. 26. "As a son, husband, and father of four daughters, I am proud to celebrate this special day and honored to serve with all the women in our caucus who continue to advocate for their communities in the statehouse. Happy Women's Equality Day!"

Curran was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2017. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations II Committee and Assignments Committee. Curran is a state senator who resides in Downers Grove, according to the Illinois Senate.

In his Facebook post, Curran shared a link to a Facebook post from the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus which highlighted the day as well. "Happy Women's Equality Day! The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote nationally on August 18, 1920. The amendment was signed into law on August 26, 1920, officially ending the fight for the right to vote that began a century earlier."

At Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, observance of Women’s Equality Day was Aug. 25, according to a news release. The event featured a 5K run for civilians and military personnel alike. A lunch and learn event was also held. 

Col. John Poole, the commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, spoke about the history of Virginia Minor and her involvement in the 19th Amendment. 

Another speaker, Army Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, talked about 130 years of accomplishments. “Our country has come a long way… a milestone in my mind is when we are no longer celebrating a first when the firsts’ are over. That in my mind is when we met a milestone and people will no longer think twice about women holding any position at any level,” said Henderson.

USA Today reported that Women’s Equality Day became a day that celebrates women’s achievement in getting the right to vote back in 1973, although Rep. Bella Abzug initially introduced Women’s Equality Day as a holiday in 1971. After its passage in 1973, each year there has been a presidential proclamation announcing the day, according to the USA Today report.