During World War II, women took on new roles in the workforce, becoming known as “Rosie the Riveters.” This week, their contribution was recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal.
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Original Roses, as the women were called, were honored in a ceremony in Washington D.C., with approximately 30 Rosies from across the United States in attendance, as reported by KYW-TV.
Mae Krier, 98, a prominent Rosie, accepted the medal on behalf of all the Rosies, leading the effort to secure this recognition, according to CBS News.
Rosie the Riveters’ Role in History
As women filled roles traditionally held by men who were fighting in the war, the term “Rosie the Riveter” became synonymous with their contributions, as noted by Good Morning America.
Recognition and Acknowledgment
The Congressional Gold Medal, authorized by Congress in 2020, was a formal acknowledgment of the crucial role played by these women, as per a report by The New York Times.
House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the significance of Rosies’ contributions, calling them the “invisible warriors on the home front” during the medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, as reported by Good Morning America.
Impact and Legacy
Approximately five million civilian women joined the workforce during WWII, with 350,000 women serving in the military, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Marian Sousa, 98, expressed surprise at the recognition, emphasizing that they worked for their country and to earn a living, as per The New York Times.
Celebrating Legacy
National Rosie the Riveter Day, observed on March 21, was established by Krier, coinciding with her birthday. After years of advocating for this recognition, her persistent efforts finally paid off, as detailed by The New York Times.
The significant contributions of these women during WWII continue to be celebrated and honored, shedding light on their crucial role in history.
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