One hundred years ago women gained the right to vote after years of working to do so, that milestone is being remembered in Washington. Women’s Vote Centennial of Washington, Iowa, will be commemorating and celebrating the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Organizer Nancy Albert says it is important for people to learn more about it, “A big part of this is education, because, you know, if you don’t keep bringing up what other people went through it’s forgotten, it’s forgotten. And I mean, women went to jail, they went on hunger strikes and were force fed just so that we could vote. It just sounds so simple, but it’s not.”

The group will be kicking off the year of events by marching in the Holiday Lighted Parade Saturday and Carol Ray invites anyone to join them, “Remembering that we are equal partners, women hold up half the sky. So if people want to march with us, they don’t need to do anything but get in line and march with us. Walk with us. Just to show, women and men, show solidarity is the intent.” They will follow a Model T Ford, some people will be in period clothing or wearing sashes, some will carrying signs, and anyone is welcome. There will be events throughout 2020 in Washington with speakers, movies, and workshops.