[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 51 (Monday, March 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ROSIE THE RIVETER--MARINA METEVALIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN HERN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 25, 2019

  Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a 
constituent who truly has left a lasting legacy on our state and our 
country.
  Marina Metevalis was just 16 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed 
in 1941. This traumatic event galvanized many Americans to join the 
army or do whatever they could to serve their country in our time of 
need. Marina was inspired to apply for a job at the Wichita aircraft 
plant, putting together the planes that would defend our country.
  Just a high schooler, Marina took up the mantle of Rosie the Riveter, 
stepping up to do what was at the time considered ``men's work'' while 
our troops were fighting the Axis Powers abroad.
  Marina juggled school work with her job at the aircraft plant, coming 
home after the night shift to work on homework before getting up in the 
morning to start all over again.
  In the years since, Marina has gone on to be an educator, a mother, 
and an inspiration to many, but recalls her time as a Rosie the Riveter 
as one of her proudest moments. Marina turns 95 years old today and 
remains just as full of life and service-minded as she has been her 
entire life.
  Congress is pending legislation to award Marina and the many other 
inspirational women who joined the workforce during World War II, 
taking on the mantle of ``Rosie the Riveter'', with a Congressional 
Gold Medal. I look forward to voting for her and our many Rosie the 
Riveters to be awarded with this honor.
  She is an example of true patriotism, selflessness, and American 
spirit. I thank her for her service to our country and the legacy she 
has left on our community.

                          ____________________