[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JEANNE GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Jeanne Gibson. Jeanne's life and legacy are immeasurable. Jeanne, a 
real life ``Rosie the Riveter,'' inspired generations of women across 
our country through her example of service, determination, and 
patriotism.
  Jeanne grew up in Minnesota before moving to Seattle in 1944. She 
entered a shipyard world of heavy steel, protective face shields, and 
the afternoon-to-night swing shift at the height of World War II. She 
was one of the more than six million American women who answered the 
call on the home front as a ``Rosie'' during the war. Jeanne later 
reflected that the work felt exhilarating, but its urgency made it seem 
ordinary to the people doing it.
  After the war, Jeanne moved to California, which she called home for 
the rest of her life. She earned an undergraduate degree, a master's 
degree, and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University 
of California, Berkeley. Across a 30-year teaching career, Jeanne 
touched the lives of thousands of students, always focused on 
supporting and uplifting younger generations.
  In 2024, she and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the 
Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their extraordinary 
contributions to our Nation. I had the privilege of meeting Jeanne 
several times over the years, and every accolade she received was well 
deserved. She was a pioneer, an advocate, and a true patriot.
  Even in her later years, Jeanne remained a tireless champion for 
preserving the legacy of the Rosies. She volunteered at Rosie the 
Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on ``Rosie Fridays,'' 
sharing the stories of the women whose work helped win World War II and 
ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.
  Just days before her passing, Jeanne was honored with a Wall of Honor 
banner at the park she loved so dearly and recognized during a San Jose 
Earthquakes halftime ceremony celebrating Bay Area heroes. It was a 
fitting tribute to Jeanne, a woman whose life was defined by selfless 
service, strength and grace.
  On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my 
heartfelt condolences to Jeanne's family and to all those whose lives 
she touched. I thank Jeanne for her service, her leadership, and her 
unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of the ``Rosies.'' Her 
story will continue to inspire generations to come and she will never 
be forgotten.

                          ____________________