WHEREAS, Women’s History Month was first officially honored in 1987 for the month of March; and
WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, During Women’s History Month we honor the countless contributions of women to American history as leaders, innovators, scientists, journalists, entrepreneurs, homemakers, artists, doctors, politicians and so much more; and
WHEREAS, Women have served our country with valor, from the battlefields of the Revolution War to the present time. During Women’s History Month, we recognize the victories, struggles, and stories of the women who have made our country what it is today; and
WHEREAS, History has shown us time and again that the willpower that women truly possess can transform our whole society. American women have played, and continue to play, critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of the life of our nation as a significant portion of the labor force, working inside and outside of the home; and
WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our country. They are, indeed, the backbone of human society but the truth is, a lot more credit and consideration are due, and it is overdue, to celebrate Women’s History Month for all the great women around us; and
WHEREAS, In President Jimmy Carter’s historic proclamation, he stated, "Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well”; and
WHEREAS, This year Park Forest applauds all our local women who made an impact in our community. These woman won the 2024 Park Forest Oscar Awards. They are women of every age, race, ethnic and economic background that have made, and will continue to make, historic contributions to the growth of their community, our nation, at home, at work and in the community in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Park Forest acknowledges other women that have long-filled vital roles on school boards, service clubs and community organizations. And at the local government level, their contributions have been historic in the important leadership ranks of Village Trustee, Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Village Attorney, Village Manager and Department or Division Head.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Park Forest, Cook and Will Counties, Illinois that March 2024 be celebrated as Women’s History Month. BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that Village of Park Forest’s legacy as a recognized leader in local government would not be as it is without the decorated contributions of the women of Park Forest.
Proclaimed this 18th day of March, 2024.