Perspective: Celebrating women's history this month and always

Missouri has been - and remains - home to some of the most impressive women you could ever hope to meet. Every March, we celebrate Women's History Month to honor the women in our lives and thank them for the incredible contributions Missouri women make to our families, communities, towns and state.

Missouri's own Annie White Baxter was a pioneer for women serving in government. She became the first female county clerk in America and was the first female to ever be elected to public office in Missouri. She was nominated to run by an all-male committee and was elected Jasper County Clerk in 1891 - at a time when most women did not work. She, almost single-handedly, laid the groundwork for the countless women who have since served our state and country, including my Congressional colleagues Congresswoman Ann Wagner and Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler. These women shape the future of our country in Congress every day, and I am extremely proud to serve alongside them.

Susan Blow is another outstanding Missourian who is now referred to as the "Mother of the Public Kindergarten Movement." On a trip to Germany in 1870, Susan learned about the early childhood education being developed there by Friedrich Froebel called "kindergarten" and how beneficial it could be to younger children. Prior to Susan's passion for making kindergarten accessible for all children, it was a luxury afforded to only the wealthiest children. But Susan recognized the developmental benefits and need for all children to have access to early education, and the program she established in her first kindergarten program in St. Louis became the model for the country.

Finally, Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of Missouri's most famous authors who wrote the "Little House on the Prairie" series about her life growing up on the new frontier in the Midwest. As an adult, she settled with her husband here in Missouri and wrote the acclaimed series from her home in Mansfield. This series was so beloved it was turned into a very popular television series in the 1970s. The coming of age story resonated not only with Missourians, but Americans across the country and painted a picture of how our parents and grandparents built this region.

These women all played significant roles in shaping our state and country and helped blaze a trail for many of the women who came after them. I am a proud husband, father to two daughters, and grandfather to two granddaughters, and I am so thankful we live in a time where women are afforded the opportunities to prosper. I look forward to witnessing more incredible contributions to our state and country from the next generation of leaders.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 635-7232.