H. Res. 371

In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

March 20, 2002.

Whereas Women’s History Month provides our country the

privilege of honoring the countless contributions that

American women have made throughout our history;

Whereas these contributions have enriched our culture,

strengthened our Nation, and furthered the Founders’ vision for a free and just Republic that provides opportunity and safety at home and is an influence for peace

around the world;

Whereas since its beginnings, our land has been blessed by

noteworthy women who played defining roles in shaping

our Nation. Sakajawea was a Native American woman

who befriended the explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, 150 years ago as they crossed the great

Northwest. She helped Lewis and Clark’s expedition complete the first successful overland transcontinental journey. Lucretia Mott courageously wrote and spoke against

slavery and the lack of equal rights for women, helping

America recognize the inherent wrong in the institutional

subjugation of others and the need to strive for equality,

freedom, and justice for all. Elizabeth Blackwell was the

first woman in America awarded a medical degree, and

she dedicated her pioneering efforts as a physician to

helping others;
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Whereas Helen Keller overcame debilitating physical disabilities, showing us the power of a determined human spirit.

Clara Barton developed a vision for helping others

through her service to the wounded during the Civil War.

She realized that vision by founding the American Red

Cross after the war, an organization that has since become renowned for its effectiveness in helping those who

suffer or are in need;

Whereas recently, the Red Cross reached out to aid Afghan

women traumatized by the repressive rule of the intolerant Taliban regime, which for years had mercilessly oppressed Afghanistan and Afghan women in particular;

Whereas today, thousands of United States women are furthering the cause of freedom through service in government, the military, and other organizations, as we seek

to defeat terrorism and bring justice to those responsible

for the September 11 attacks;

Whereas the history of American women is an expansive story

of outstanding individuals who sacrificed much and

worked hard in pursuit of a better world, where peace,

dignity, and opportunity can reign;

Whereas the spirit of loving determination that shaped these

pursuits continues to serve as an example to those who

seek to better our Nation;

Whereas American women of strength, vision, and character

have long influenced our country by contributing their

time, efforts, and wisdom in vastly diverse ways to improve and enhance our government and communities, our

schools and religious institutions, our businesses and the

military, and the arts and sciences;
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Whereas women also have fundamentally shaped our civilization in the care and nurturing of families; and

Whereas today, women in the United States are furthering

the Founders’ vision by working to advance freedom, increase equality, and administer justice in every corner of

our land, through their everyday work in schoolrooms,

boardrooms, courtrooms, homes, and communities: Now,

therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes the many contributions American

women have made to help make our Nation free, strong,

and a force for peace and justice around the world;

(2) encourages every American to learn more about

these important contributions and to celebrate their

noble legacies as we work to build a brighter future for

our Nation and for all of the world’s people; and

(3) calls upon all the people of the United States

to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Attest:

Clerk.