Dusty Johnson: “today I want to give a statement on Women's History Month. This is an important time for Americans to reflect on the…”

“today I want to give a statement on Women's History Month. This is an important time for Americans to reflect on the invaluable contributions women make in our society. Women are our families, our coworkers, and our neighbors. They juggle many roles in making our homes, our neighborhoods, and our country stronger. Eighty million women in our country are mothers. Sixty percent of American women work at least part time. Nearly 2 million American women are veterans. More than 200,000 women are doctors, and more than 2\1/2\ million women are registered nurses. South Dakota's own history is filled with women who balanced the needs of their families and their communities to make our country better. Mamie Pyle is one such woman. In 1902, Mamie's husband passed away when she was just 36, leaving her to raise four young children on her own. Not only did Mamie find a way to send all four of her children to college in the early 1900s, but she also led the South Dakota women's suffrage movement for a decade. Because of Mamie's determination, South Dakota ratified the national women's suffrage amendment in 1919. Mamie continued to serve her community as a member of the Huron College board of trustees for more than 40 years. In 1947, South Dakotans honored Mamie by naming her the State's Mother of the Year at age 81.…”