[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. JUANITA TUNIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Juanita 
Tunis, a longtime resident of Livonia, Michigan and an original Rosie 
the Riveter. Juanita was born on November 18, 1913 and passed 
peacefully on May 23, 2016 in South Lyon, Michigan. She lived her full 
life of 102 years as the cherished matriarch of her family, and an 
American hero.
  Juanita was among the trailblazing women who stepped up during World 
War II to fill the industry positions traditionally held by men. 
Collectively nicknamed ``Rosie the Riveter'', these inspiring women 
entered the workforce with grace and gusto to build planes, tanks and 
other armaments that sustained the war effort and kept American 
industry afloat. Juanita worked for three years at the Willow Run 
Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti building B-24 bombers. She often recalled the 
camaraderie among the women working at the plant, and remembered the 
bus rides to and from work with her fellow Rosies with particular 
fondness. In a time of worldwide strife, these pioneering women pulled 
together and went to work every day to keep our country going.
  The contributions of Juanita and the original Rosie the Riveters made 
victory in World War II possible, and their patriotism and hard work 
will forever remain part of the American story. They instilled a 
newfound hope in their communities, embodying positivity in a time of 
great turmoil and uncertainty, and inspired a social movement that 
forever redefined the role of women in the workplace. The number of 
working women in the United States increased to 20 million in 1944, and 
has never since fallen to pre-war levels. Juanita and her fellow Rosies 
paved the way for generations to follow.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Juanita 
Tunis for her contributions to the war and her role in inspiring 
generations of American women. Her story is one that embodies the best 
of American values and spirit and one that we will continue to share 
with our children and grandchildren for decades to come. The values 
that Juanita and the Rosies embodied patriotism, bravery and resolve 
are ones we all must strive to emulate. We salute the Rosies for their 
contribution to American history. Their legacy will forever remind us 
that we all have the power to do something more for our country.

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