Speech: Shinae Chun (2002)

Women’s Bureau Director, Shinae Chun, gave this speech at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Women’s History Month Opening Ceremony. It is titled “Women Sustaining the American Spirit.”

Thank you for that very kind introduction. And thanks to all of you for being here. It is my pleasure to join you this morning, to honor the incredible women whose courage and dedication have sustained the American spirit throughout our history and through these difficult past six months. Pioneers and heroines who have broken down barriers, created new opportunities, championed justice, and risked their lives for the greater good.

Some are household names… Like Betsy Ross, who created our nation’s most cherished symbol—the American flag. And Harriett Tubman, who guided more than 300 slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Others are unknown outside of their families and communities. However, all are part of our history.

They were joined this past September by a new group of heroines, whose bravery and sacrifice should fill us with pride. Women such as New York Police Officer, Moira Smith, who perished at the World Trade Center as she directed others to safety. Navy Officer, Melissa Rose Barnes, who was preparing for her first assignment at sea when she died at her post at the Pentagon. And too many others to list here today. All deserve our recognition—and our heart felt appreciation.

March has been designated Women’s History Month for just that purpose. It is an opportunity to acknowledge groundbreakers of the past, thank the heroines of today, and inspire the leaders of the future. And it is a reminder that, if we believe in ourselves, we can make a real difference.

My childhood experience taught me that gender equity starts at home. As I was growing up in Korea, beef soup was a very popular and special dish that every family enjoyed. More often than not, I noticed that I did not have beef in my portion of the soup. Mine was full of vegetables with no beef. Beef was all in my father’s and brothers’ soup. I did not have any hard feelings toward my father or brothers. In fact, I enjoyed my beef soup without the beef, but I have been very conscious about the missing beef and have been asking “Where is the Beef” ever since. The Women’s Bureau is driven by this message.