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’ vi-
sion for a free and just Republic that provides oppor-
tunity 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 Wil-
liam Clark, 150 years ago as they crossed the great
Northwest. She helped Lewis and Clark’s expedition com-
plete the first successful overland transcontinental jour-
ney. 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;
•HRES 371 EH
Whereas Helen Keller overcame debilitating physical disabil-
ities, 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 be-
come 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 intoler-
ant Taliban regime, which for years had mercilessly op-
pressed Afghanistan and Afghan women in particular;
Whereas today, thousands of United States women are fur-
thering the cause of freedom through service in govern-
ment, 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 im-
prove 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 civiliza-
tion 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, in-
crease 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, cere-
monies, and activities.
Attest:
Clerk.