Wright-Patterson celebrates 100th anniversary of women’s right tovote
Air Forcemuseum welcomes Dayton mayor as speaker.
Wright-Patterson AirForce Base observed Women’s Equality Day Aug. 26 with a proclamation, a panel, interviews of base community members, remarks and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley as the keynote speaker at a celebration at the National MuseumoftheU.S. AirForce.
Thisyear’sthemeforWomen’s EqualityDay is “Beyond the Scope of Women’s Suffrage: 100Years of Progress,” marking the 100th anniversary of the historic signing of the 19th Amendment, which provides women the right to vote.
Col. Patrick Miller, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, signed a proclamation before the virtual event.
As Whaley stood in front of theWomen Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) exhibit in theWorldWar II gallery, she said, “Iamthrilled to get to virtually mark the 100th anniversary ofwomen’s suffrage with a dedicated group of female public servants. Nowperhapsmore than ever before inmy lifetime, I think it is critical thatwe pause to reflect on anniversaries like this one.
“The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 is a reminder that our country has long been striving to live up to our great promise that all are created equal. Women were granted the right to vote almost 150 years after our countrywas founded on this very principle,” she said.
“And we all know that it took several more decades until this right was actually realized for all – particularly black Americans who were held back from voting by intimidation and Jim Crow policies,” said Whaley.
She credited the “second generation of women leaders” with more authentic leadership that has had a tremendous impact on crises the area has faced, including theMemorial Day tornadoes of 2019, the Oregon District shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have to look to those leaders that came before us that keep pushing us to be and do better – the women and menwho only sawhard times ahead and kept on moving, who saw injustice and refused to stopworking until itwas overcome.… We are reminded that change is possible,” Whaley said.
She closed by thanking the women ofWright-Patterson AFBfor dedicating their lives tomaking the country better.
“You are exactly who we need in thismomentto keep pushing us ahead,” Whaley said.
Miller said, “Our job’s not done. … We still see equality issues in today’s society, whether it’s a gender pay gap or opportunities in different jobs. I ask you to continue to fight – fight for equal rights, fight for diversity and inclusion, fight for just basic dignity and respect for each other.”
Diversity is the strength and goal, he said, as strength will come fromtogetherness and opportunities will come from breaking down barriers and promoting diversity.
“We need to set the standard, the culture, the climate,” he said, “so you can do the things that you want to do and be the best that you can ever be.”
Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 88 ABW command chief, remarked on the significance and impact of the celebration, noting that Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne S. Bass was selected June 19 to become the 19th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, becoming the first woman in history to serve as the highest ranking noncommissioned member of a U.S. military service.
“It is so important in our history that we know how these things come to be,” he said, as he recalled the significance of retired ChiefMaster Sgt. Grace Peterson, the first femaleAirmantobe promotedtotheAirForce’s highest enlisted grade in 1960.
“Without trailblazers like ChiefPeterson, wewould not have such a significant success in equality and Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass,” Shaffer said.
He encouraged people to learn more about women’s history, saying, “It is only going to make us better going forward. Thankyoufor everything you do and continue to help make diversity and inclusion important. Equality matters.”