Lawmakers Make Bipartisan Push for ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day’

June 16, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) have joined together to introduce a resolution endorsing the establishment of a ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day.’ H.Res. 313 would mark Congress’ support for May 23 each year as a national day of recognition for the millions of women who contributed on the home front during World War II.

“The ‘Rosie the Riveters’ played a pivotal role in our nation’s history and proved that women can do anything a man can do,” said Huffman.  “These remarkable women—including my own grandmother who worked in the Martin bomber plant in Omaha, Nebraska—stepped up in a time of great need and helped win a war, all while building the foundation for future generations of American women to succeed.  It’s about time we recognized them for what they are: American heroes.”

“As millions of men answered their nation’s call at the onset of World War II, millions of women – including many in my district - left their homes for factory jobs: Working as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians in support of the war effort,” said Fitzpatrick. “In paying tribute to all those American heroes who served our country during that war, it’s critical we gratefully acknowledge the ‘Rosie the Riveters’ who served patriotically on the home front and remain a symbol of strength and confidence.”

“Rosie the Riveter was more than a poster. She embodied women across our nation who answered the call to action in World War II by providing the weaponry and ammunition that literally ended the war,” said Speier. “I have been fortunate enough to meet with real life Rosies, and their strength and courage sets a high bar for generations to come. A national day to commemorate the service of these 6 million brave, patriotic women is only fitting.”

“In my district, home of the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site, Rosies played a key role in advancing the mobilization of America’s industry. Nearly 19 million women held jobs during World War II. With their help, the City of Richmond alone produced 747 ships; more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Their tireless work was further exemplified in their efforts to balance work and family life while in the face of gender and race discrimination,” said DeSaulnier. “I am proud to support this effort to pay tribute to ‘Rosie the Riveters’ and solidify their status as symbols of national strength and independence that paved the way for women around the world to begin breaking the glass ceiling.”

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% or its workforce.

Last weekend, hundreds of surviving ‘Rosie the Riveters’ attended the America Rosie the Riveter Association Convention & Reunion in California.

Full text of the resolution is below:

H. RES. 313

Expressing support for designation of May 23rd as “National Rosie the Riveter Day”.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

Mr. Fitzpatrick (for himself, Ms. Speier, Mr. Huffman, and Mr. DeSaulnier) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designation of May 23rd as “National Rosie the Riveter Day”.

Whereas National Rosie the Riveter Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 16 million 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 May 23rd 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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