An outline of the battle, introduction of the famous "Person's Case," the court battles in Canada and then in England and finally victory for the five women leading the charge. Women who have since become known as the Famous Five and the Alberta Five.
The blog also spoke of the subsequent creation of the national and highly coveted PERSON'S AWARD presented to between 5 and 7 women annually, and gave names of those so presented a few days ago. Noted also was the fact that the event also would take place during the very month, now being celebrated, and for the 25th year, and known as Women's History Month.
The multi talented, and award winning author and advocate for women's issues is shown here after just being presented with the History Award for Popular Media, by our Commander-in-Chief exactly one year ago this Saturday.
You will hopefully remember Merna as the leading force spending years circulating the signature gathering petition that produced some 70,000 Canadian supporters in an effort to see the return of women's images on our paper currency. Women chosen for their incredible deeds that have become the fabric of our nation.
Her work, and that of her supporters will see a new $10 bill in a few months. One honoring one of our great fore- mothers. Hopefully it will soon be joined by women's likeness on other bills as well.
Goodness knows who would do its introduction though!
The first was done by a former Prime Minister, Canada's only female PM at that. And the second got its intro by a female astronaut. Now one of our very few Canadian Governor's General.
Few, if any authors can claim this acknowledgement of their dedication to Canada's history?
Sailing along....
Back in 1917 with the famous... but illegal...purge that saw some 900 Medals of Honor removed from the honor rolls of all recipients, a new pyramid of honours was created for bravery in the US.
With these changes, immediately below the MOH, for the navy came the new Navy Cross. And during WWl there were only four awarded to women. Three were posthumous awards. The forth went to Lenha Higbee. Her story was mentioned several times on this site.
The above vessel was named the USS Higbee in her honour, was the the first vessel bombed during the Vietnam war and did quite honourable service during WW11 and beyond. It has been recently announced that a new vessel, again honouring Higbee will be unveiled in a few years time.
It is fitting that Lenha Higbee be again mentioned in this space during Women's History Month. She was the first in the US Navy history to be awarded a Navy Cross.
And the reason why I am again bringing this story forward is to remind all, and for first time readers, inform you that Chief Nurse Lenha Higbee, was the first of only four Navy Cross recipients ever, and the only living female recipient in the medal's history.
And I should close noting that Lehna, was born about one hundred miles north of Moncton New Brunswick... in CANADA.
I had intended to bring you another very important story yesterday, but I amassed so much info, that it will not fit into today's blog. Please return for some more exciting news on this next week.
Till then, cheers,
Bart