news

Today, as part of Women’s History Month, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Candice Miller (MI-10) welcomed to Washington, D.C. an Honor Flight of Original “Rosie the Riveters,” women who worked the factories during World War II, producing munitions and war supplies critical to an Allied victory.

“It was a tremendous honor to be able to welcome dozens of ‘Original Rosie’ to our nation’s capital to honor them for their selfless service during World War II,” Dingell and Miller said in a joint statement. “These women are true trailblazers who stepped up during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history to build planes, tanks and other necessities for the war effort and forever redefined the role of women in the workplace. We will always be thankful for their strength and gusto, which was integral to getting a tough job done, and their unwavering American spirit, which continues to inspire us all.”
 
The Honor Flight, made possible by The Ford Motor Company Fund and the Yankee Air Museum, in partnership with Talons Out Honor Flight, brought dozens of “Original Rosies” from the Detroit area to honor and celebrate them and their lasting contributions to this country.
 
The day included visits to the World War II Memorial, the Women in Military Service Memorial and a luncheon on Capitol Hill. 
 
Photos from the day can be downloaded here.

The Rosie Honor Flight comes after more than 2,000 women, including 43 Original Rosies, gathered at the former Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan to take back the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters since WWII.
 
Dingell and Miller submitted to the Congressional Record a tribute to America’s Rosies for Women’s History Month. The statement can be read in full below.  

 
HON. CANDICE S. MILLER and HON. DEBBIE DINGELL OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Honoring the Women who served during World War II for their contributions to the United States of America 
March 1, 2016

Mr. Speaker, it is our distinct privilege 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.