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Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Lisa McClain (MI-09) today hosted a group of 11 World War II “Rosie the Riveters,” all ages 98-101, at the U.S. Capitol as part of a special Honor Flight visit. This celebration of their service comes during Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate women’s important contributions to society. 

Rosies, symbolized by the iconic “We Can do It!” image, answered the call of duty during the war, working in factories building bombers, tanks, and other weapons — jobs traditionally done by men. The original Rosie the Riveter, Rose Will Monroe, moved to Michigan to build B-24 bombers at Willow Run in Ypsilanti. 

“Rosie the Riveter is part of our history in Michigan. I know these women, have been friends with many of them for decades, and see how they still inspire generations of women to break down barriers,” said Dingell. “With grace and gusto, more than 6 million of these women entered the workforce to support the war effort during World War II, and in the process, redefined the role of the American woman. We will always be thankful for their strength and bravery, which was integral to getting a tough job done, and their patriotism will forever remain part of the American story. These women inspired a social movement, set a new example of inclusivity in the workforce, and paved the way forward for generations of women. We salute their impact on our nation and their contribution to progress.”
 
"Honoring these amazing ladies of our greatest generation is a promise I made five-years ago. Sharing their inspiring stories and energetic patriotism for this country is truly a privilege," said Bette Kenward, President, Eastern Michigan Women Ordinance Workers (WOW) chapter of the Rosie the Riveter Association. "These Rosies have done so much and asked for so little in return. I am so grateful for this opportunity to host their Honor Flight and could not have done it without the support of so many."
 
This is the first Honor Flight trip organized by the Eastern Michigan WOW Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. A total of 40 Rosies have participated in Honor Flights to date.

See pictures from the visit here.
 
"The Rosies played a critical role during WWII,” said Meredith Rosenbeck, CEO, Honor Flight Network, “and it is wonderful to have this opportunity to honor the service of these women to our country during that time.”

Following the visit to the Capitol, the Rosies visited the National Mall, stopping at the WWII and FDR memorials. The day ended with a reception at Boeing’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, where the Rosies were presented with special Boeing Rosie the Riveter coins in honor of the passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act, recognizing their work during the war. These coins were flown into space and returned to Earth on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
 
"These Rosies are an inspiration to all of us, and I’m proud that Boeing can be part of celebrating their hard work and dedication to their country," said Cheri Carter, vice president, Boeing Global Engagement. "The contributions of all the Rosies, and all our World War II veterans, should not be forgotten."
  
About Honor Flight Network
The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with the mission of honoring our nation’s veterans by bringing them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The Honor Flight Network is currently comprised of over 130 hubs throughout the country dedicated to carrying out the Honor Flight mission. In addition to World War II veterans, the organization transports those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, intermediary operations, and in special cases, the terminally ill or injured veterans from more recent service eras. Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network has taken 250,000 veterans to Washington D.C. For more information about the Honor Flight Network, visit honorflight.org.
 
About Rosie the Riveter Association
The Rosie the Riveter Association works to recognize and honor the history and legacy of working women, including volunteer women, during World War II; to promote cooperation and fellowship among such members and their descendants; and to further the advancement of patriotic ideals, excellence in the work place and loyalty to the United States of America.