Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4189

 118 STAT. 4159 PROCLAMATION 7806—AUG. 26, 2004 Our Nation’s Airborne forces have helped liberate millions from op- pression and extend peace and freedom around the world. From the initial tests of this new medium of warfare, to the establishment of venerable units serving today, these brave men and women have ex- panded the vision and capabilities of our Armed Forces. The Army designated the first Airborne division on August 15, 1942, and the 82nd Airborne Division set the standard for achievement and built a proud legacy of service. Many units followed in their footsteps, fight- ing bravely in battle and serving our country with distinction in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other critical missions. Today’s Airborne forces continue the tradition of excellence and deter- mination as we fight the global war on terror. In Afghanistan and Iraq, they have helped advance peace and democracy and defended the American people from danger. We are grateful for their service and continue to stand solidly behind the men and women of our Airborne forces, and all those in our military, as they serve on the front lines of freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2004, as National Airborne Day. I encourage all Americans to join me in honoring those who have served in the Airborne forces. I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7806 of August 26, 2004 Women’s Equality Day, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Women’s Equality Day, we recognize the hard work and persever- ance of those who helped secure women’s suffrage in the United States. With the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920, American women gained one of the most cherished rights and fundamental responsibilities of citizenship: the right to vote. The struggle for women’s suffrage in America dates back to the found- ing of our country. The movement began in earnest at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, when women drafted a Declaration of Sentiments proclaiming they had the same rights as men. In 1916, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, despite the fact that her fellow women would not be able to vote nationally for 4 more years. These women and many more like them worked to ensure that future genera- tions of women could realize the promise of America. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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