Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Designate ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’

February 27, 2018

Washington, D.C.- In honor of Women’s History Month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers from the House and Senate led by Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), along with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), introduced Congressional Resolutions to designate March 21st, 2018, as ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day,’ a national day of recognition for the millions of women who supported the war effort on the home front during World War II.

The ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’ would honor the vital contributions that were made by countless American women of all backgrounds during World War II who joined the workforce in increasing numbers and took on new roles previously held by men.

“2017’s political and social challenges have sparked a watershed moment in the women’s equality movement,” said Rep. Huffman. “2018 is going to be the year of women, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off Women’s History Month than to recognize a generation of women made their mark on history. These women helped our nation win World War II and inspired generations who continue to follow in their footsteps. We must continue to recognize the ‘Rosies’ as the American heroes that they are.”

“Throughout our nation’s history, countless Americans have answered the call to service during times of conflict and turmoil,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “During World War II, women across the country – and across our district - left their homes for factory jobs in support of the war effort: Working as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians. These ‘Rosie the Riveters’ embodied the ‘We can do it’ spirit forever connected with the famous poster. I’m proud to recognize these home front-heroes with a National Rosie the Riveter Day. I’m especially proud to represent a “Rosie,” Mae Krier of Levittown, who has worked tirelessly in advocating for this long-deserved recognition.”

“This national day of recognition has been a longtime in the making, and honoring the millions of real-life Rosie the Riveters that served on the home front during World War II is long overdue,” said Rep. Jackie Speier. “I have been working with my colleagues since 2014 to pay tribute to the trailblazing Rosies who paved the way for our nation’s working women. Their patriotism, courage, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of women and girls to embody the ‘We Can Do It’ spirit, and I am proud to once again join this bipartisan effort to honor these American sheroes.”  

“During World War II millions of women answered the call and joined the war effort at posts across the country, including in our district at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond—now home to the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site,” said Rep. DeSaulnier. “These brave and dedicated women broke barriers by taking jobs as riveters, welders, and electricians, changing the roles of women in the workforce. A national day of recognition for Rosies is a fitting way to honor the contributions of these home front heroes

“We must honor the millions of women who helped support our troops during WWII,” said Senator Casey. “Whether working on assembly lines, addressing our troops medical needs or tending to ships and farms, ‘Rosies’ played an invaluable role in our nation’s efforts during the war. As we begin Women’s History Month celebrations, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to these American patriots.”

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 ‘Rosie the Riveters’ 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.

Phyllis Gould, 96, of Fairfax, CA, was one of the first six women to work as Navy-certified journeyman welders at the Kaiser-Richmond shipyards from 1942-45. Over the last eight years she has personally met with Vice President Joe Biden, written to Presidents Obama and Trump, Vice President Pence, and spoken with or written to countless Members of Congress in support of a National Rosie the Riveter Day.

 

The full text of the resolution is below:

Expressing support for designation of March 21, 2018, as

‘‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’’.

Whereas ‘‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’’ is a collective national

effort to raise awareness of the 16,000,000 women

working during World War II;

Whereas Americans have chosen to honor female workers who

contributed on the home front during World War II;

Whereas these women left their homes to work or volunteer

full-time in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories,

banks, and other institutions in support of the military

overseas;

Whereas these women worked with the USO and Red Cross,

drove trucks, riveted airplane parts, collected critical materials,

rolled bandages, and served on rationing boards;

Whereas it is fitting and proper to recognize and preserve the

history and legacy of working women, including volunteer

women, during World War II to promote cooperation and

fellowship among such women and their descendants;

Whereas these women and their descendants wish to further

the advancement of patriotic ideas, excellence in the

workplace, and loyalty to the United States of America;

and

Whereas March 21, 2018, during Women’s History Month,

would be an appropriate date to designate as ‘‘National

Rosie the Riveter Day’’: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Rosie

the Riveter Day’’; and

(2) acknowledges the important role played by

women in World War II.

 

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