Thomas Daschle: “Today is the last day of Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, we've paid tribute to the vision of women…”

“Today is the last day of Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, we've paid tribute to the vision of women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony, the founders of the first Women's Rights Convention 150 years ago in Seneca Falls, New York. We've recognized the historic achievements and celebrated the legacies of Amelia Earhart, Marion Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolores Huerta and hundreds of other American leaders. During Women's History Month, it is also appropriate that we pay tribute to the countless American women whose names and great works are known only to their families, neighbors and friends. These women may not grace the pages of history books, but their contributions as mothers, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and scientists have shaped the direction and progress of this great country. In my own state of South Dakota, women of the plains have a long history of facing challenges with self-reliance and fortitude. Courageous women pioneers worked alongside fathers, husbands, and brothers to clear land, build homesteads, and establish schools, businesses and towns. In 1998, the women of South Dakota continue to build upon the legacy left by their foremothers of strong families and a better life for future generations. Sadly, we lost one such woman this year. But the spirit of Sister Maurice Crowley of Aberdeen, South Dakota will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew her.”