Lately, the 4th of July has become my favorite holiday. As a child, it was Christmas. Later, Thanksgiving. Now, with increasing fervor, it is the 4th of July.

^[1]There is simply no greater time or place to have been born a woman, than in the 20th century, U.S.A. And, I like to reflect, each year, on the reasons why.

Before the 20th century, few, if any, women were allowed to vote, hold public office, attend college, law school, medical school, or graduate schools. Now American women are graduating in greater numbers than men in all of these categories save one.

In my grandmother’s time, almost no women were allowed to be university professors, scientists, bankers, politicians, Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, professional athletes or much else of significant, individual prestige.

Today they grace the corridors of power in record numbers.

American women have yet to reach the highest political office. Argentina, Israel, Germany, England, India, Pakistan, and other countries have beaten us to it. Hillary Clinton did, however, win 18 million votes in the Democratic Presidential primaries—the most ever recorded.

Nonetheless, the U.S. has currently achieved record female membership in the U.S. Congress (17 in the Senate, 75 in the House); the Cabinet (6 women); the U.S. Supreme Court (soon to be 2 women-not a record, but not backsliding, either); and Presidents of major colleges and universities.

What a difference a century, or less, has made in the lives of all American women.

Equal pay for equal work is the norm, no longer the exception.

Divorce and property laws are more balanced. Mothers more often than not receive custody of their children. Property in most states (no-fault divorce) is split along equitable lines. And unlike many other countries in the world, spousal abuse is no longer tolerated, let alone legally condoned.

Related Links: San Diego 4th of July fireworks ^[2] | Pocket Change: The cost of Independence Day ^[3]| More by Colleen ^[4]

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(Flickr Courtesy Photo/Stewart Dawson)

Gains in wealth of American women are equally as impressive, be they millionaires or billionaires. Female CEOs of companies and women superstars in music, acting, the arts, sports, and television are too numerous to mention. Female legends in many fields are now almost commonplace. The U.S. military proudly accepts, promotes and acknowledges the contributions of all women in its ranks.

And while Madonna’s “underwear as outerwear” may not be a reason to celebrate, it is certainly preferable to mandatory burqa wear.

Most historians reminisce about the cosmic significance of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both dying on the 4th of July. I like to remember the influence of the women in their lives.

Had the women in their lives had more influence, the gains in equality might have come much sooner. John Adams’ wife, Abigail, exhorted her husband to “remember the ladies,” when helping to draft the U.S. Constitution. And Sally Hemmings, Jefferson’s slave mistress, and mother to his children, must have occasioned some of his anti-slavery, racist misgivings.

Let us remember all the women— and the enlightened men— that brought forth this great country, its constitution, its laws, and its commitment to equality for all. We may have some distance to go, but we are frequently moving toward a better place.

So, while enjoying the barbeques and the fireworks this 4th of July, quietly raise a glass of celebration to our 20th century’s sisters, mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers (as well as the men who supported their efforts) for giving us so much.

Hence, my joy on the 4th of July. It is Christmas, Thanksgiving, and history—all rolled into one great day. Happy 4th of July and God Bless America.

Colleen M. O’Connor is a former college history professor, the director of the “Faces of San Diego 2000″ family photographic history project and co-editor of Eleanor Roosevelt: An American Journey.  She is an SDNN political columnist and can be reached at CoConnor15x(a)Yahoo.com