NOW Shows Support for Pelosi With Giant Congratulations Card

January 5, 2007

At the beginning of a long day of celebrations, NOW supporters welcomed other guests at a special Swearing In Brunch at the historic Library of Congress with a giant, eight-foot "Congratulations" card for new Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Nearly 10,000 messages came in from across the country congratulating Pelosi on breaking the marble ceiling, expressing sentiments both personal and political. Passersby added their own messages, and many took photos in front of the card.

"One small step for a woman, one giant leap for womankind!" said a note from Knoxville, Tenn.; from Durham, N.C., "We will be walking with you every step of the way;" from Lafayette, La., "Congratulations and can't wait to watch your bravery rock the house;" from Belleville, Ill., "All the suffragists, feminists and everyone else who supports the causes for women are celebrating here and in heaven. Our time (many years in the making) has come;" and thousands more like these came from her home states of Maryland and California and everywhere in between.

"This is a historic day for women and girls everywhere," NOW President Kim Gandy exclaimed. "Everyone who sent a message was here with us in spirit, celebrating this great beginning."

When Speaker Pelosi passed by, she waved and exclaimed, "Thank you! NOW has always been there for me."

See a close-up of the card here.