Garamendi Unveils Bill Creating National ‘Rosie the Riveter Day' at Rosie Ceremony

RICHMOND, CA-On Friday, at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) unveiled legislation to honor the millions of women who supported the Home Front during World War II. Rep. Garamendi joined with Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) to introduce the legislation honors the "Rosie the Riveters," who made tremendous sacrifices to support wartime efforts and serve as a powerful example of the importance of women in the workforce today. The legislation's introduction coincides with Women's History Month and Rosie the Riveter Day, recognized each year on March 21.

"I'm proud to celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II. This bill is especially important to our community since it is home to the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park, where Rosies at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond helped produce more than 700 vessels during World War II," said Rep. Garamendi. "It was an honor to join the Rosie the Riveter Trust at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park to celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II."

"These dedicated women made countless contributions to their country while enduring gender and racial discrimination and harassment," Garamendi continued. "Our Rosies are a testament to women's empowerment and an inspiration to future generations of women and girls."

"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, CA-02. "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. This legislative package is just one of the many ways we can continue to honor these heroines for their bravery and service."

"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," said Rep. Kevin Mullin, CA-15. "I'm proud to co-lead the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act and continue our effort to ensure the Rosies get the recognition they deserve."

"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).

"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. Debbie 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."

"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 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier CA-10.

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 demand for war materials in factories, shipyards, and farms, and served as support services in schools and hospitals.

The full text of the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act is available HERE.

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