SMC Vice Commander Speaks at Women's History Month Luncheon

  • Published
  • By Joe Davidson
  • SMC Public Affairs
Approximately 100 base employees attended a Women's History Month luncheon held at the Gordon Conference Center, March 31. The annual observation was sponsored by the Los Angeles Air Force Base Federal Women's Program and by presidential proclamation held to "celebrate the courage, foresight and resolve of women who have strengthened our democracy." Guest speaker for the event was SMC Vice Commander, Brig. Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski.

The theme for this year's event, Women's Art, Women's Vision highlighted artists Violet Oakley, Faith Ringgold and Jaune Quick-To-See Smith noted for their contributions to life through their artistic and literary messages.

"The thing about these women is not just about their skills as artists and writers but it's about their contribution to opening up all of our eyes and our minds to the diversity that we have in our country through the achievements of women, said General Pawlikowski. These women through their talent and through their writing were able to make us all aware of their perspective on life. And through that perspective, we are all better to have known and seen a better world through their eyes."

The celebration of women's history in the United States began in 1978 and celebrated as Women's History Week. The week long celebration included International Women's Day. In 1981 a joint congressional resolution proclaimed national Women's History Week but in 1987 Congress expanded the celebration to include the entire month of March.