Honoring the Contributions of Women, Symbolized by ''Rosie the Riveter,'' Who Served on the Homefront During World War II

HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN, SYMBOLIZED BY "ROSIE THE RIVETER," WHO SERVED ON
THE HOMEFRONT DURING WORLD WAR II -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 09, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004

Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 413 honoring the contributions of the more than 6 million American women, symbolized by "Rosie the Riveter," who served our country on the homefront during World War II and the changes to our society that came about because of them. I am extremely proud to join all 62 women Members of Congress as cosponsor on this legislation as well.

Today, we recognize the contributions to those who may not have faced enemy fire but were no less a part of our decisive victory in those dark times: the millions of Americans who across the Nation heeded a call to serve when their country needed them.

During World War II, this remarkable band of women picked up the rivet guns left on factory floors and shipyard docks by their departing husbands, boyfriends, sons and dads and those women started building the tanks, airplanes, and ships that America needed to win the war.

The legacy of Rosie the Riveter is the creation of opportunities to all Americans. For the first time in America, during World War II, women and minorities gained access to high-paying jobs in industry. Employee-sponsored health care and services such as child care for children of workers were developed during this time. I am proud to join my colleagues today in applauding the improvements in the workplace and our society during the Rosie the Riveter Era and in honoring these women for stepping forward when their country needed them.