Today, Speaker Mike Johnson hosted a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Rosie the Riveter, the women who worked or volunteered in support of the war efforts during World War II, in recognition of their contributions to the United States and the inspiration they have provided to ensuing generations. These women left their homes to work or volunteer full-time in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories, banks, and other institutions in support of the military overseas.
The ceremony, held in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol and widely attended by Members of Congress, featured remarks from Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, Senators Bob Casey and Susan Collins, and former Representative Jackie Speier. Mae Krier, an original Rosie the Riveter who helped produce aircrafts in Seattle from 1943-1945, accepted the medal on behalf of the 6 million women who entered the workforce and provided the equipment, weaponry and ammunition to achieve final victory and end the war.