Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to federal office when she represented the state of Montana as a U.S. Representative from 1917-1919. She served again from 1941-1943. Known for her pacifism, she was one of 56 senators and representatives to vote against declaring war on Germany in 1917. In 1941 after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, she was the only one who voted against the declaration of war on Japan.
So we know she has the courage of her convictions.
But there's more.
Rankin also played a leading role in the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
Earlier today I was our running store's representative at the Run for Rankin, a 5K race that was held in a park very near her seasonal home in Watkinsville, Georgia (south of Athens). It's always nice to meet people and to be a part of such a positive vibe, especially when the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund does so much to help and empower women. The Foundation has given out over $2 million to help low-income women over the age of 35 complete a college education.
Definitely a worthy cause.
Elsewhere, 24 miles for this week... Including 6x800 on the treadmill today that felt really good. Last two repeats were right at 7:00/mile pace. Good stuff out there.
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