U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Ninety-six years ago the barriers that stood between American women and the ballot box crumbled with the passage of the 19th Amendment. The brave struggle of the women's suffrage movement opened many doors of opportunity and paved the way for women's equality. In recent years, the focus of Women's Equality Day has grown to include the continued efforts toward full equality. Today, women continue to progress forward by breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. They serve in every facet of American life. They are civic and industry leaders, scientists, educators, military members, artists, and athletes.
In the military, we celebrated another historic transformation when Defense Secretary Ashton Carter opened all combat jobs to military. "There will be no exceptions. They'll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars and lead infantry soldiers into combat. They'll be able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, Air Force Pararescue and everything else that was previously open only to men." Over the past 14 years during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, our female Airmen have displayed incredible physical and moral courage in the air, space, and cyber domains. They continue to deliver the same kinetic and non-kinetic effects on the battlefield and with the same determination, dedication and drive as their male counterparts.
As we observe Women's Equality Day on Aug. 26, let us remember that the foundation of our democracy is the right to make our voices heard. The right to vote is an honor and a privilege. Thanks to the women suffragettes whose hard-fought battle ensured all are entitled to the rights of our democracy. We are the world's greatest Air Force because of the contributions of the women who answered their nation's call, proudly wear the cloth of our nation, and serve honorably and faithfully.