WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, was joined by Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and a bipartisan coalition of over 80 colleagues, to introduce the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, marking a pivotal step in honoring the enduring legacy of the millions of women who transformed America’s workforce and helped secure victory during World War II.
This legislation proposes a series of commemorative coins celebrating the diversity and contributions of the WWII Home Front workforce. Proceeds from the coin sales will fund maintenance of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and support educational and commemorative programming, ensuring the Rosies’ stories inspire generations to come.
“Since entering Congress, I have made it a mission to fight for the long overdue honor and recognition our nation's Rosie the Riveters have rightfully deserved. Last year, after leading the efforts of the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act, I had the profound honor of presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to my friend—and Bucks County’s own—Mae Krier, on behalf of the millions of Rosies whose hands and hearts guided our nation through World War II. These extraordinary women transcended their duties in factories and fields and laid the groundwork for women’s empowerment and equality,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “With the introduction of the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, we renew our commitment to honoring their invaluable contributions and celebrating the profound influence they continue to have on women worldwide. This legislation is more than a tribute—it is a testament to our enduring promise to preserve the legacy of these trailblazers, ensuring that their courage and patriotism continue to inspire generations of Americans.”
“As the executive director of Rosie the Riveter Trust, the official philanthropic partner of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, I am deeply inspired by the bipartisan efforts to honor the enduring legacy of the Rosies. These women shaped the outcome of World War II and laid the foundation for today’s workforce diversity and equity. This recognition ensures their contributions remain a beacon for future generations, embodying resilience, unity, and progress,” said Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director of Rosie the Riveter Trust.
"This bill is a key step honoring millions of women for selflessly supporting the wartime effort during World War II,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I’m proud that as the first bill I introduced this Congress, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act is a testament to our community’s own Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park, where Rosies at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond helped produce more than 700 vessels during World War II. These commemorative coins will serve to remind us of the dedication of these women as they made countless contributions to their country while spearheading women’s empowerment for decades to come.”
“During World War II, ‘Rosie the Riveters’ answered the call to support the war effort by taking on new roles, and to this day they are remembered as some of America’s greatest heroes,” said Rep. Huffman (CA-02). “The sacrifices and tremendous contributions of the Rosies continue to inspire generations of women, and it is fitting that we commemorate these incredible women for their service to our country.”
"Throughout World War II, millions of women stepped up with courage and resilience to support their country and the war effort on the Home Front. These 'Rosie the Riveters' made sacrifices that were pivotal to our history while dealing with discrimination and harassment. Their legacy not only shaped the outcome of the war, it also continues to inspire generations of women in the workforce today. I'm proud to continue our effort to ensure the Rosies get the recognition they deserve," said Rep. Mullin (CA-15).
“Rosies are the true definition of trailblazers, and they answered the call when our nation needed them most – opening the door wider for women and girls across the country. America will forever be changed for the better thanks to their ‘can do’ spirit,” said Rep. Dingell (MI-06). “I am blessed to still have many Rosies in my life and have even celebrated a few 100th birthdays with them in recent years. I am honored to co-lead this legislation that will ensure the Rosies’ legacy lives on, and their contributions are always remembered and appreciated.”
“When millions of women answered the call to serve by challenging gender norms and aiding the homefront effort during World War II, they not only helped us win the war, they also permanently altered the role of women in the workforce and advanced the cause of gender equity,” said Rep. DeSaulnier. “For these immeasurable and indelible contributions, I am proud to join my colleagues in offering legislation that would create a series of commemorative coins so more Americans can learn their story and honor their legacy.”
Between 1940 and 1945, the percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27% to nearly 37%. By the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. As riveters, welders, and other laborers, this diverse women workforce played an integral part in meeting the ever-growing war-effort demand for materials in factories, shipyards, and farms, as well as for support services in schools and hospitals.
The full text of the “Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act” is available here.
Background:
This latest effort builds on Fitzpatrick’s leadership in advocating for the Rosies. Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan and bicameral legislation, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor American women who joined the workforce and volunteered in support of the war effort during World War II was signed into law on December 4th, 2020.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the oldest and highest civilian award in the United States awarded by Congress. Only 185 people, events, and institutions have been awarded the distinction.
Last April, Fitzpatrick was joined by Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other members of Congress at the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony, held in Emancipation Hall at the US Capitol to honor the extraordinary women whose efforts on the WWII Home Front helped secure victory and reshape America. In October, he brought this historic recognition home, hosting a Gold Medal Ceremony in PA-1, to celebrate the Rosies of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Among the honored guests were four living PA-1 Rosies: Rita Colella (102-years-old), Dorothy Trate (102-years-old), Michaeline “Mickey” Kryven (97-years-old), and internationally known Rosie advocate, Mae Krier (98-years-old). The families of fifteen Bucks and Montgomery County Rosies who have since passed were also in attendance to honor their lasting legacy as trailblazers.
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