[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2547]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE WOMEN WHO SERVED DURING WORLD WAR II FOR THEIR 
             CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2016

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I along with Representative 
Dingell would like to recognize an incredible group of women today. On 
May 29, 1943, in the midst of war, a new image appeared on the cover of 
the Saturday Evening Post. Created by Norman Rockwell, it was an image 
of a woman who was strong and brave. The image acted as an introduction 
to heroes the American people had already come to know. These heroes, 
known as Rosie the Riveters, have been solidified in our national 
memory as champions. Initially, there was uncertainty as to whether or 
not women should be allowed to work in industries and fill positions 
that were previously only occupied by men. However, as the war moved 
on, women began to fill positions in the workplace and keep American 
industry, and the war effort, afloat. Slogans such as ``The More Women 
at Work the Sooner We Win'' were sprawled across newspapers and 
magazines and appealed to women's patriotism and willingness to serve.
  As a part of Women's History Month, on March 22nd, we will welcome a 
group of ``Original Rosies'' to the United States Capitol to celebrate 
their tremendous contributions to our nation.
  To these women we say: through your service during the Second World 
War, you played an invaluable role in the war effort and victory as a 
part of the Greatest American Generation. Your rigorous work and 
passionate love of our great country are arguably what sustained the 
American people, at home and abroad, during a volatile time of war and 
uncertainty. You made great personal sacrifices and served with such 
infectious zeal that you were able to reinvigorate the war effort and 
inspire, encourage, and support your communities. Since your time 
serving during the War, the number of working women in the United 
States has never fallen to pre-war levels; this is one of countless 
examples of your legacy. Your generation paved a path for the 
generations of women to follow.
  We are grateful for the work you have done. We honor you and 
recognize your work as a symbol of American strength and ingenuity. 
Rosie's story inspires us. You inspire us, and we will continue to tell 
your stories to our children and grandchildren to ensure the American 
spirit, which you embody, never leaves our hearts. Your spirit is a 
reminder to the American people that we, too, can do something more for 
our country.

                          ____________________