Famous 5

This blip is about two things. The Famous 5 bronze sculpture (which is magnificent) and it gorgeous setting. An early morning Calgary scene and loved the setting and the light and shadows. I probably didn't do the sculpture justice. Those figures you can just see are actually full life size bronze sculptures who made up the Famous 5. There are two seated figures with tea on a side table. Three standing. One reading the proclamation, one pointing to it and one standing off to the left hidden by the structure.

The story:

The Women are Persons! Monument is located in Calgary's Olympic Park. It was commissioned by the Famous 5 Foundation to "honour the Famous 5, to commemorate the ?Persons' Case, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of Canadian women in the building of Canada". The monument was unveiled by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at a special event on October 18, 1999. A similar monument was erected in Ottawa on October 18, 2000.

Five Alberta women fought to have Canadian women recognized constitutionally as "persons" who were eligible to be named to the Senate. Emily Murphy led the battle and she was supported by Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards and Nellie Mcclung. The Supreme Court of Canada rejected their case in 1928 but the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council decided in favour of the women on October 18, 1929. These courageous ladies came to be known as the "Famous Five" and October 18 is now known as Persons Day in Canada.

The sculptor, Barbara Paterson
Speech given by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at unveiling
Women are Persons! Monument in Ottawa

It is very real and beautifully done.