International Women's Day

Today at Brandy Station 2010 & 1864

Today is International Women's Day. From Wikipedia: "International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day is marked on March 8 every year. Nowadays this is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc. In many regions, the day lost its political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day. In other regions, however, the original political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner."

Now let's go back 147 years. In his diary entry for March 8, 1864, Henry Seage of the 4th Michigan Infantry Regiment attended a Lyceum, which he was a member. A Lyceum is a hall for public lectures or discussions.

Henry wrote: "Rained all day. Made a good Table of Box got at Sutlers. Lyceum at Night. Question Resolved that Women Should have the right of Election Franchise in the U.S. the Same as Men Decided in favor of Neg. Drew Clothing 1 Socks & Shirt. More recruits came.

How ironic that the Lyceum discussed voting rights for women on what would become International Women's Day. Let us hope Henry voted in the Positive.