It's Thanksgiving Day in the US today, and I'll bet this photo was the last thing you expected to see - it's not a parade, or food, and definitely not turkeys in any sense of the word. I've been reflecting on the things in my life for which I give thanks. And although I'm thankful for having food on my table, and for the ability to watch a parade, and even for turkeys, I am also extremely thankful today that I could exercise my right to vote in the national and local elections this month.That came to mind as I passed the monument to our Tennessee suffragists on Market Square one evening. It was only 88 years ago that the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, giving women in this country the right to vote. And that was made possible in part by the women memorialized here in bronze. Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the amendment, which cast the deciding vote to pass the amendment into law. Out in front you see Lizzie Crozier French who founded a suffrage society in Knoxville, and behind her are Anne Dallas Dudley of Nashville, and Elizabeth Avery Meriwether of Memphis. I'm thankful to them for giving me the gift of a voice in my government.
10 comments:
Bravo. Lovely post, and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Right on, sister. This is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving!
Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving :)
88 years ago doesnt seem that long ago. I hope your family has a great Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, Knoxville Girl!
Amazing, isn't it, that women were EVER denied the right to vote!
I'm thankful too for these and other strong women who paved the way for us.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
A great reminder of something we should all be thankful for. Well written.
What a perfect post for Thanksgiving.
I'm glad you exercised your rights. I get so annoyed when people don't vote. People died for them to be able to vote. If people say to me they don't vote because they don't agree with the political parties or that they don't follow politics I say go and spoil your ballot paper and put it in the box. You've made your feelings known and your non-vote is still counted. Its the one really important way that we can shape our own country. Vote!
Anyway...glad I got that off of my chest!
Happy Thanksgiving, hope things are going ok for you :)
Spot on post,and I'm with Marley on his rant. Without the sacrifice of so many we would not have a voice. ow could anyone not want to exercise theirs.
This is a beautiful post and commemoration of your Thanksgiving Day! I hope you had a wonderful day with your family!
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