[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN, SYMBOLIZED BY ``ROSIE THE RIVETER,'' 
            WHO SERVED ON THE HOMEFRONT DURING WORLD WAR II

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
413 honoring the contributions of the more than 6 million American 
women, symbolized by ``Rosie the Riveter,'' who served our country on 
the homefront during World War II and the changes to our society that 
came about because of them. I am extremely proud to join all 62 women 
Members of Congress as cosponsor on this legislation as well.
  Today, we recognize the contributions to those who may not have faced 
enemy fire but were no less a part of our decisive victory in those 
dark times: the millions of Americans who across the Nation heeded a 
call to serve when their country needed them.
  During World War II, this remarkable band of women picked up the 
rivet guns left on factory floors and shipyard docks by their departing 
husbands, boyfriends, sons and dads and those women started building 
the tanks, airplanes, and ships that America needed to win the war.
  The legacy of Rosie the Riveter is the creation of opportunities to 
all Americans. For the first time in America, during World War II, 
women and minorities gained access to high-paying jobs in industry. 
Employee-sponsored health care and services such as child care for 
children of workers were developed during this time. I am proud to join 
my colleagues today in applauding the improvements in the workplace and 
our society during the Rosie the Riveter Era and in honoring these 
women for stepping forward when their country needed them.

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