The Westchester Committee for Women's Equality Day Reformed offered another thought-provoking gathering on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Westchester County Board of Legislators Michaelian Building in White Plains, New York. Co-chairpersons Regina Riely and Judith Anderson led participants at the hour-long commemoration of 92 years of women's suffrage, the Ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on August 26, 1920.
It has been eleven years that this "Reformed" event has taken place and much has been accomplished. The WEDR Committee speaks of its greateast achievement as not the $10,000 award that Ms. Riely received when she brought suit against the County for viewpoint discrimination concerning this event, but that a new group of remarkable women of personal and professional distinction can now finally be recognized in Westchester County. These women were previously ineligible for Women's Equality Day honors simply because they were pro-life. Think of it. On the anniversary of women's voting rights, the original official Westchester County Women's Equality Day event openly stated their rejection of any woman in Westchester who disagreed in conscience with "reproductive rights", aka abortion. This on the anniversary of women's voting rights! We are glad some aspects of history are truly ancient.
At noon on the 8th floor, the appreciative audience welcomed this year's Honoree, Dr. Candace de Russy, and Keynote Speaker Susan Moga. The ceremony was dedicated to the beloved memory of the late Pastor Rev. Geneva Patterson of Peekskill, a former 2008WEDR Honoree, who passed away in January at the young age of 59 years.
Prior to the ceremony, Dr. de Russy and her husband Cortes, the WEDR Committee and several of their guests were welcomed to the 9th floor by Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, Chief of Staff George Oros and several pivotal County staffers. Mr. Plunkett, acting in the absence of County Executive Rob Astorino who was traveling, presented Dr. de Russy with a County Proclamation in her honor. A generous amount of time was given to the group to discuss the day's upcoming celebration and share thoughts on a number of matters of concern to these Westchester's citizens who defend life in the womb.
The program included words of encouragement and praise for the event by members of the County Board of Legislators: the Hon. Sheila Marcotte, Hon. Gordon A. Burrows, and the Hon. Michael Smith. The Hon. Mr. John Testa was on vacation and could not attend this year's ceremony.
Informational literature at these events are made available by The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Westchester-Putnam Center for Life, Life Options Pregnancy Care Center in Yonkers, Lumina: Post Abortion Healing, Feminists for Life of America and New York, The Children First Foundation, and various other Westchester Right to Life groups and individuals.
Below is (1) an introduction of keynote speaker Sue Moga, by co-chair of Women's Equality Day Reformed, Judy Anderson and (2) Sue's fine nine minute talk. Lastly (3) introduction by co-chair Regina Riely of Dr. DeRussy, and her call to action.
I WAS SO PROUD OF PRO-LIFE WOMEN AND JUDY AND REGINA.THE SPEECHES WERE EXCELLENT AND ENLIGHTENING. EVEN THOSE WHO WERE THERE AS 'SUPPORT'WERE MOVED BY WHAT THEY HEARD. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Posted by: Joy Dechiario | August 20, 2012 at 06:28 PM
We are so proud of all of you!
Congratulation to our real devoted and passionate women in Westchester!
You have made a tremendous difference in showing New York real women protect and defend LIFE.
Posted by: Eileen Peterson | August 21, 2012 at 09:36 PM