The only downer at last Friday's celebration of Women's Equality Day Reformed was the failure (again) of area media persons to cover the event. What used to receive a big media splash (back when pro-life women were banned from being recognized or when the County Board of Legislators was taken to court) is no longer of any interest to the Journal News, Channel 12, etc. This despite numerous press releases and other contacts with the media, including two radio interviews given by Ms. Joy Dechiario, a co-chairperson for the event. Too bad. It was a great day honoring great women and good news is always worthy of coverage.
This year on August 26 marks the 86th Anniversary of women's suffrage; it was 1920 when women achieved victory and the right to vote. The 5th annual reformed event celebrated with all women and especially with this year's Honoree, Christine Mortell Plazas, pictured here.
The highlight of the day was Dorothy J. Orr's introduction of the guest of honor, returning this gesture of friendship and support. It was Christine who introduced Dorothy when Dorothy was recognized as the 1997 Westchester Woman of the Year by the former Committee. These two remarkable women are co-founders of the Interracial Women's Leadership Roundtable in Purchase, NY. Christine Mortell Plazas, business professional and 25-year volunteer in Westchester County, received the Mott, Stanton, Anthony Award for her courageous work towards interracial cooperation and understanding, and for her outspoken defense of the pro-life ideals held by the early feminists, a fact that is often ignored or distorted today. Both women's talks were uniquely inspiring. Christine's acceptance speech was filled with both humility and strength as she thanked Dorothy for her years of mentoring friendship, and WEDR for its recognition that day. It was an experience encouraging to all women who seek to work together to promote human dignity and life affirming solutions to a variety of issues on the local and national scene.
Joy Dechiario's opening remarks set the tone - it would be a day honoring women of courage from the past (the suffragettes) and present, including Christine Mortell Plazas and our women veterans. Regina Riely spoke of Sybil Luddington and Molly Pitcher, early colonial heroines, and segued into the day's recognition of Gold Star Wives like Natalie Maddalena, and Blue Star Mothers like Mildred Pinn, women in the Nurse Cadet Corps like Goldie Solomon, R.N., and shared memories of WWII icon "Rosie the Riveter" and her local muses, Rosie Bonavita of Peekskill and Jennie Fiorito of Ossining, whose riveting feat at the Tarrytown Eastern Aircraft plant was immortalized by J. Howard Miller's iconic image and then by Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post cover. DeeAnn Sarcone, a great niece, Dorothy Chardri of a Rosie the Riveter Team, and Portia Clark a Navy veteran, were unable to attend the day's events and sent their regrets. Watch this site - their stories will be posted soon.
Scheduled guest speaker Lt. Colonel Jacqueline L. Russell of the New York Army National Guard, 101st Signal Battalion in Yonkers suffered a death in the family, so Staff Sgt. Catherine Ramos spoke in her stead.
The Sargeant gave an impressive presentation of her personal journey from a four-year stint (along with her sister) with the Marine Corps to her service with the National Guard. Her good humor was on display as she told of a recent talk with her young son about women getting the right to vote, only to be called in soon after by the Colonel to speak on this anniversary occasion! She spoke of the role of women in the military with pride and with admiration for their efforts, their hard-won successes, and the unique gifts they bring to the service of our country. Master Sgt. Donald Tucciarello of this National Guard unit was also present to share the day.
Judith Anderson of the WEDR Committee closed the day with challenging words for women and men: recognize and emulate courage, seek and speak the truth, listen to each other and work for the betterment of society and the dignity of human beings, at all stages of life.
The Committee thanks the Honorable Gordon A. Burrows of the Westchester County Board of Legislators for his presence that day and for sponsoring the event under freedom of access and freedom of speech, as well as for offering to sponsor it again next year. The Committee also thanks the Rev. Michael Morrow from the Church of St. Eugene in Yonkers for his opening Invocation and the Rev. Stephen Mosha, A.J. of Tanzania from St. Augustine R.C. Church in Ossining for his closing Benediction.
Judith Anderson presents a rose to Natalie Maddalena, one of the Gold Star wives who attended WEDR. This feisty lady raised three young children after the death of her husband during WW II, and her love, pride and patriotism in her words these many years later touched everyone.
Co-chairperson Regina Riely offers introductory comments while County Legislator Gordon A. Burrows looks on.
An admiring glance from a participant, as Goldie Solomon, R.N., ARCN (far left) of the WW II Nurse Cadet Corps is honored for her service.
Mildred Pinn, below, a Blue Star mother whose son served in Vietnam, receives her rose.
Co-chairpersons Joy Dechiario and Judith Anderson flank participant and long-time WEDR supporter, Andrea Barbuto.
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