New Legislation Designates March 21 to Honor the Courage, Legacy, and Lasting Impact of America’s World War II Heroines
Washington, DC- As part of his continued effort to honor the extraordinary women who helped shape the course of American history, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), was joined by Representatives John Garamendi (CA-8), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15), introduced the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act, a bipartisan bill to formally establish March 21st as National Rosie the Riveter Day.
Introduced during Women’s History Month, this legislation is a tribute to the more than six million American women who stepped up during World War II—working in factories, shipyards, farms, and volunteer organizations—to fortify our nation’s strength and spirit at a time of global crisis. Known as "Rosies," these women redefined the American workforce and helped lay the foundation for generations of progress in gender equality.
“The Rosie the Riveter Day Act represents the next chapter in our ongoing effort to fully honor and recognize the historic contributions of these remarkable women. It builds directly upon the successful fight I led to award the Rosies the Congressional Gold Medal, which I presented last year to my dear friend and Bucks County’s own Mae Krier on behalf of the six million women whose strength and resilience helped win World War II and transform our nation. By designating March 21 as National Rosie the Riveter Day, we ensure their legacy is celebrated, and their powerful example of courage, equality, and trailblazing leadership continues to inspire generations to come,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).
“The millions of Rosies the Riveter who answered the call to serve by aiding the homefront effort during World War II deserve recognition for helping their country win the war and forever changing the role of women in the workforce. I am proud to again join my colleagues in leading this legislation that celebrates the Rosies’ bravery, commitment to gender equity, and pioneering legacy,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.
“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 Congresswoman Dingell. “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.”
The National Rosie the Riveter Day Act amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code to:
- Designate March 21st—during Women’s History Month—as National Rosie the Riveter Day;
- Request an annual presidential proclamation commemorating the day;
- Encourage states, local governments, schools, and communities to observe it with appropriate programs, educational events, and tributes.
The Rosies changed history. This legislation ensures that history is remembered—and that their example of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism continues to guide our nation forward.
Background:
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.
This June, Fitzpatrick presented Mae Krier, Bucks County's own Rosie the Riveter, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In October, he hosted a historic Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor all the extraordinary women of Bucks and Montgomery Counties who stepped forward as Rosie the Riveters during World War II.