Aug. 26 (UPI) -- While the 19th Amendment was ratified on Aug. 20, 1920, it was certified on Aug. 26, which is why Americans celebrate Women's Equality Day annually on that day.
After 105 years, millions of women in the United States celebrate and exercise their right to vote.
But the day didn't become an official day of celebration until 1973, when Congress passed a bill championed by Rep. Bella Abzug, D-N.Y. It was originally introduced in 1971.
The White House released a statement Tuesday about Women's Equality Day, saying: "Today, we honor the strong, patriotic American trailblazers who paved the path for women's suffrage. We remember that Aug. 26, 1920, stands as an enduring reminder of America's promise of freedom and equality. Above all, we remain committed to protecting the blessings of liberty for generations to come."
The right to vote was a battle taken up by women beginning at 1848 at the world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Women picketed, demonstrated and lobbied for their right to vote via peaceful demonstration for many years until the 19th Amendment finally passed and was ratified.
