OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- They are our mothers and daughters. In many cases, they are also the ones who hold families together. They are the women of our lives and have accomplished much throughout history in addition to caring for loved ones.
President Barack Obama recently issued a proclamation declaring March as National Women's History Month, an observance that offers all Americans an opportunity to honor the accomplishments of women.
The theme for the 2010 observance is, "Writing Women Back into History." According to the National Women's History Project Web site, the history of women is often written with invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are frequently left out of the history books.
According to the proclamation for the month, countless women have steered the course of America's history, and their stories are ones of steadfast determination. From reaching for the ballot box to breaking barriers on athletic fields and battlefields, American women have stood resolute in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles to realize their full measure of success.
The proclamation also states, "Women's History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the contributions women have made to our nation, and to honor those who blazed trails for women's empowerment and equality."
Examples of these accomplishments abound throughout history.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton championed women's rights, Maj. Nicole Malachowski was the first female pilot to fly with the Air Force Thunderbirds, and Dr. Mary E. Walker, a contract surgeon during the Civil War, earned the Medal of Honor.
All of these women represent a proud heritage for women in almost every corner of the nation. They represent that women, have and continue to make significant contributions to society.
By looking at what women, such as Dr. Mae Jemison, the first female black astronaut and Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice have achieved, the women and girls of today know they too can achieve greatness, said Capt. Toni Carter, the deputy chief of standards and evaluation for the Air Force Weather Agency here.
Another important element of Women's History Month, is recognizing the accomplishments and sacrifices of women who have influenced people throughout their lives, said Senior Airman Sonata Kristina M. Corpuz, a target analyst with the 20th Intelligence Squadron.
For Corpuz, her grandmother had a significant impact on her life.
"I grew up in the Philippines and my grandmother disciplined me well," Corpuz said. "She was there to teach me the basics and when I learned, she let me do things on my own and think for myself so that when I made mistakes, I would learn from them. When I felt like giving up, she told me to pray and that things happen for a reason, and that God wouldn't put me in a situation I couldn't surpass."
"Women have made great strides in America, but continue to be (largely) under-represented, Carter said. "The theme (serves) to remind folks of the accomplishments that women have made in (America.)"
For more information about Women's History Month, visit the National Women's History Project Web site at http://www.nwhp.org/.
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