[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S633-S634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING CARMELLA WOOD

 Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great Nevadan, American, and member of the Greatest Generation, 
Carmella Wood, who passed away on January 26, 2020 at the age of 97 in 
Las Vegas, the city she called home in the Silver State since 2003.
  Carmella, like many others of her generation, answered her country's 
call during World War II, volunteering to serve in the fight against 
tyranny. When the U.S. Army would not take her because of her 4-foot 
11-inch height, she joined the war effort, working in a factory on the 
east coast building Corsair Bombers. Carmella's dedication to serving 
her country is reflected in the fact that even though the factory she 
was assigned to was 20 miles from her home, she never missed a day, 
sometimes having to walk in the snow the rest of the way to work when 
the bus she rode on could not completely reach the factory. She and the 
women she worked with day in and day out kept our troops in the fight, 
and these women would eventually come to be collectively and 
affectionately known as Rosie the Riveters. Rosies like Carmella 
produced over 297,000 airplanes, 102,000 tanks, 88,000 warships, and 
countless other pieces of wartime equipment which helped American and 
Allied troops defeat enemy forces both in the European and Pacific 
Theaters, winning the war and bringing an end to the terror Nazi 
Germany and Japan had inflicted upon countless countries.
  After the war Carmella, like many other Rosies and members of the 
``greatest generation'', returned to living their lives. They married, 
had kids of their own, and worked outside the home. However, Carmella 
never forgot her time as a Rosie. Over 20 years ago, she started 
attending national Rosie the Riveter Association reunions and other 
events where she was able to share her experiences and teach current 
generations about how these dedicated women kept America fighting in 
the war so their sacrifices and work are not forgotten or overlooked.
  Mr. President, please join me in honoring and remembering Carmella 
Wood, one of our legendary Rosie the Riveters of World War II, a true 
Nevadan and American patriot who answered her Nation's call to service, 
someone who reflects the high ideals of this country. Her spirit, 
perseverance, and dedication are an inspiration to all Americans, and 
she will be truly missed.

[[Page S634]]

  

                          ____________________