Washington, D.C. – Today, in observance of National Women’s History Month, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), along with Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) introduced a resolution to recognize March 21, 2021, as ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’ to honor the millions of women who supported the war effort on the home front during World War II.
"There is no greater call in life than serving your community and country, and innumerable, brave women answered that call during World War II. These 'Rosie the Riveters' made many personal sacrifices, but their ‘We Can Do It’ spirit inspired a nation navigating the unique hardships of war to rise up and energize the war effort across the country," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "As we mark the valuable contributions and triumphs of women this Women’s History Month, I am incredibly proud to join the effort to honor and celebrate these heroes with a National Rosie the Riveter Day. I’m especially proud to represent Levittown’s Mae Krier. I admire Mae for her continued, tireless efforts advocating on behalf of her fellow ‘Rosies’ for this long-time, well-deserved recognition.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan, bicameral Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act, honoring American women who joined the workforce and volunteered in support of the effort during World War II, was previously signed into law last December. Fitzpatick’s legislation awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to the incredible women who bravely served their country—many building the vehicles, weaponry, and ammunitions that were critical to the war effort.
“During the Second World War, countless women answered the call of service by taking on new roles to support the wartime efforts at home,” said Rep. Huffman. “These ‘Rosies’ made tremendous sacrifices and contributions, redefining women’s role in the workforce, and setting a powerful example for women across the country. Decades later, they continue to inspire the generations who have followed in their footsteps. Their “We Can Do It” spirit in times of hardship is particularly inspiring as we persevere through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have the privilege of representing some of these Rosies here in Congress and know the importance of continuing to honor them and the rest of these heroines for their bravery and service.”
“Rose Will Monroe, the original Rosie the Riveter, worked long hours at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan building the bombers that helped us win World War II,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “A National Rosie the Riveter Day won’t just honor and celebrate her contributions to this nation, but all of the Rosies who walked into factories demanding to serve and protect their nation. I can’t wait to get this resolution signed and get these fearless women the recognition they deserve.”
“Rosies represent an important part of our nation’s history, both in the impact they had on the home front effort in World War II and for the future of women in the workforce. At the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, these dedicated women confronted gender and race discrimination while breaking barriers by taking jobs as riveters, welders, and electricians that were pivotal in supporting our country’s war effort. I am so proud that the Rosie the Riveter Historic Site celebrates their legacies right here in Richmond, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in paying further tribute to them with a national day of recognition during Women’s History Month,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
“The home front years were one of the most challenging periods in American history, but our Rosie the Riveters rose to the occasion,” said Rep. Speier. “They built the weapons, vehicles, and ammunition that helped win the war; filled vacancies across male-dominated industries; kept their communities afloat; and pushed for government reforms to support women and families. By defying stereotypes and discrimination, Rosies fundamentally changed the American workforce and society. A ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’ would acknowledge the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe these American heroes.
Between 1940 and 1945, the percent of women in the workforce jumped from 27% to nearly 37%, and by the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. These ‘Rosies’ took positions across various industries, but the aviation industry saw the biggest increase of female workers – with more than 310,000 working in the aircraft industry in 1943, representing 65% of its workforce.
The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Dina Titus (D-NV), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Scott Peters (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Grace Meng (D-NY).
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