Centennial Symbol

Centennial Symbol

The Year 2020 has arrived. A new decade is upon us signaling to some the promise of newness and hope and possibilities that we all can reach for and hold onto if we try. On the morning of New Years Day–January 1, 2020–the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California kicked off at 8:00 am PST. This parade is not just any parade. This parade is watched by millions of viewers around the world every year. This year’s parade theme was “The Power of Hope.” A fitting theme for this new year. The winner of Most Outstanding Presentation of Theme Award? Lady Liberty! Pasadena Celebrates 2020 chose to grassroots fund and build a float celebrating the centennial of the passage of the 19th amendment which reads:

The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The float featured a 30 foot floral representation of Lady Liberty draped in a traditional purple, white, and yellow/gold suffrage sash and holding a tablet inscribed with “19th Amendment.” Lady Liberty was surrounded by inspirational signs with messages such as, “passing the torch” and “equal rights for all.”  Riding on the float were five descendants of the leaders of the suffrage and civil rights movements. Following the float were 100 marchers–98 women and 2 men–wearing all white and also draped with the purple, white, and yellow/gold suffrage sash.

What a stunning sight! What an inspiring way to begin our new year, our new decade!

We here at Campaign for Lady Liberty are proud that our lady stands for enlightenment in so many causes. We are proud that she leads us in knowing that all should have a voice, that all should have the vote. We are grateful that 100 years ago the previously unenlightened men in Congress and in legislatures across the land chose to realize that they needed the wisdom and judgment of the women of this land to help elect the best leaders, to help enact the best laws, and to help make the best decisions. Decisions that have improved our country. Decisions that have blessed our states. Decisions that have grown our communities. Yes, Lady Liberty, Votes for Women. Votes for you and for me.

May this new year and this new decade bring further enlightenment to all of us and may the light that Lady Liberty holds still beckon us to follow the better path.

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