[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. MARY JEZOWSKI-SURGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Jezowski-
Surge, a longtime Michigan resident, and an original Rosie the Riveter. 
Mary was born on September 1, 1922 and is celebrating her 94th birthday 
this year. Mary and the original Rosie the Riveters paved the way for 
women in the workforce, forever changing our nation with their bravery, 
grace and gusto.
  In World War II, enlistment left gaping holes in the labor force, 
prompting women to join the ranks of male factory workers. These 
inspiring women were collectively nicknamed ``Rosie the Riveter'' and 
worked building planes, tanks, and other armaments for soldiers 
fighting abroad. Mary worked at the Cadillac Plant in Detroit building 
tanks for American troops. She began her time in the factory as a 
grinder, eventually becoming a welder. She recalls the thrill that came 
with climbing up on top of the tanks to do her welding. Mary eventually 
left the Cadillac Plant to begin work at the Lincoln Plant where she 
built airplane engines. More than 310,000 women joined the U.S. 
aircraft industry in 1943, comprising a stunning 65 percent of the 
aviation industry's total workforce. Mary and other women who worked in 
Michigan's aviation plants were honored for their efforts and have 
their names engraved on a plaque at Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, 
Michigan. The contributions of Mary 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.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mary 
for her contributions to the war effort, and for her fearlessness as a 
trailblazer for women in the workforce. The values that Mary and the 
Rosies embodied--patriotism, bravery and resolve--are ones we all must 
strive to emulate. The Rosies are a vitally important part of American 
history, and their impact on the workforce will never diminish. Their 
story is one we will continue to share with our children and 
grandchildren for generations to come, and their spirit and legacy will 
forever remind us that we all wield the power to positively contribute 
to our country.

                          ____________________