LOS ANGELES, California — Nineteen year old, Mackena Bell had no idea when she took a seat on a recent flight to Daytona International Speedway, that she was sitting next to Commanding General, William D. Frink., Jr. of the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and that an honorable invitation was in her future.
"For me, today means that I can pursue any dream I set my mind to and for that, I thank the women who have fought for our equality and the passage of the 19th Amendment..."— Mackena Bell
Early last week, General Frink Jr., invited Bell to speak this afternoon to Army Reserve Soldiers at an observance of Women's Equality Day at the Holderman Army Reserve Center in Los Angeles, California.
Bell addressed Soldiers of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command on her achievements as a successful female racecar driver and went into detail as to what Women's Equality Day represents to her.
"I feel honored to have been invited to such a monumental day and to have the opportunity to speak to our military," Bell said. "I have always felt that I could succeed in whatever I wanted to do in this world. For me, today means that I can pursue any dream I set my mind to and for that, I thank the women who have fought for our equality and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution."
The event also recognized women who contributed to the struggle for women’s right to vote and equal rights in America, as well as the accomplishments of women who served in the U.S. military.
“Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated since 1971, following the passage of legislation by Congress,” said Sgt. Maj. Patricia Burns, 311th ESC’s equal opportunity advisor. “This year’s theme is: Commemoration of Women Being Granted Universal Suffrage in the United States."
As Bell concluded her speech, she waived a checkered flag to those in attendance and praised Congress Women Jeanette Rankin and Bella Abzug, Supreme Court Justices, Sandra Day O'Connor and Sonya Sotomayor, the doctors, lawyers, teachers and homemakers of the world as well as the thousands of women serving in our armed forces.
While inviting the crowd to TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday evening, August 29th, Bell posed for photo's, signed autograph cards and attended to the media beside her #30 NASCAR Drive for Diversity, Position One Motorsports Chevrolet.
For further details regarding Women's Equality Day, visit: www.womenshistory.about.com. For information regarding TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale, visit: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com
