“I did not learn about many powerful women in my history classes. In fact, I have heard about more strong females in history this year, then I ever did in during my school career. I think it is important to learn the names and stories of the women who have paved the way for us to be here today. Women who have done things men have also done or were not willing to do, but do not always receive the same recognition. By telling the stories of women in the past, we are creating the future for a Finer American Womanhood. Although there are many powerful women in our lives today, we must also take the time to acknowledge the women who have came before us.
Everyone has heard of Paul Revere, but few people know of Sybil Ludington, also known as a the female Paul Revere. On April 26th 1777, Sybil rode her horse 40 miles, twice the distance Paul Revere rode, at night, to alert the militia that the British were coming. Sybil rode to Putnam County, New York to inform 400 of her father’s military men that the British were on their way to attack Danbury, Connecticut. Did I mention Sybil was only 16 years old? (She was younger then I am today, but I would be more then willing to ride 40 miles horseback just to come speak to you today, it might take awhile for me to arrive considering I’ve never rode a horse, but I would definitely try). From nine at night till dawn, Sybil rounded up troops to send to Danbury and used nothing but a stick to protect herself from night bandits. Sadly, the troops were too late to save Danbury, but Sybil did not go unrecognized. General George Washington honored her for her heroic ride. And in 1935 a statue was placed in Carmel, New York to honor the courageous girl. Sybil’s story was not told for years because there was no evidence, but the words in her grandfather’s journal.
The reason I am taking the time to tell you about this courageous girl is because my theme this term is Lead Like a Triangle Girl and although Sybil Ludington was not a Triangle girl, I do believe she shares the qualities that we value in Triangle. She selflessly volunteered to ride through the night to help defend her country. Our Organization even named a Triangle after her in Brewster, New York, but sadly closed in 1991. A big part of Triangle is giving back to our community through charitable arts. I believe that Sybil is an inspiration to young girls in Triangle and girls around the world. Triangle has taught me to not be afraid to speak up for what you think is right because this is OUR world, not just yours and not just mine and with the support from other Organizations, such as yours, we can create a finer american womanhood together.
During my term I will be sharing more stories of other inspirational women in history, such as Sybil Ludington. I will also be selling pens and lollipops for $2 each. All proceeds will be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in hopes to find a cure for MS. For those who may not know, MS is a potentially disabling disease that effects the central nervous system and disrupts the processing of information between the brain and the body. Women are twice as likely to develop MS and most commonly affects people between the ages of 15 and 60. Please help me spread awareness of this horrible disease.”
-Miss Abby Forman, State Representative 2017 – 2018, Organization of Triangles Inc., from her speech at Grand Chapter on October 14, 2017
