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In February of 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation designating the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week, to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. His message stated: “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” By 1986, 14 states had already designated March as Women’s History Month. In March of 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 and declared the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.