It was a scene of historical rectification at the U.S. Capitol as “Rosie the Riveters,” the women who stepped into critical industrial roles during World War II, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony marked the long-overdue acknowledgment of the approximately 5 million civilian women who rose to the occasion when their country called upon them to fill roles left vacant by men drafted to the frontlines.
“These are the women who built our bombs,” House Speaker Mike Johnson declared during the ceremony, recognizing them as “invisible warriors on the home front.” Their crucial contributions to the Allied victory had gone largely uncelebrated for decades, but on this day, the Rosies were collectively bestowed with Congress’s highest civilian honor, a testament to their enduring legacy.
Among the honorees was 98-year-old Lucille “Cille” MacDonald, who left her family farm as a 17-year-old to aid the war effort. “I became very patriotic and very much in love with my country,” MacDonald recounted. She became a top welder in a Georgia shipyard, launching “one huge ship a week” – a vivid embodiment of American determination and ingenuity.
Another original Rosie, Mae Krier of Pennsylvania, emerged as an “unrelenting advocate” for her cohort’s recognition. Krier, who crafted B-17 and B-29 bombers during the war, continued her patriotic service by making red polka-dot face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts culminated in the award ceremony where she stated, “Up until 1941, it was a man’s world. They didn’t know how capable us women were, did they,” her words followed by enthusiastic applause.
This Congressional Gold Medal represents not just an honor for the individual women but also stands as a symbol of the doors they opened for subsequent generations. Krier, clad in her signature red polka-dot vest, accepted the medal on behalf of all Rosies, saying, “We’re so proud of the women and young girls who are following in our lead,” encapsulating the Rosies’ enduring impact on women’s roles in society.
For Rosies like 106-year-old Velma Long and others, receiving the nation’s top civilian honor is a source of personal pride and historical importance, finally validating their contributions as living history. When the ceremony concluded, Krier’s final remark echoed the sentiment that galvanized a nation during a time of unprecedented challenge: “We can do it.”
Relevant articles:
– Real-life ‘Rosie the Riveters’ reunite in D.C. to win the nation’s top civilian honor, NPR, Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:44:56 GMT
– Original ‘Rosie the Riveters’ honored iwth Congrssional Gold Medal, ABC News, Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:23:57 GMT
– Mae Krier, Bucks County’s own “Rosie the Riveter,” to receive Congressional Gold Medal, CBS News, Thu, 11 Apr 2024 03:16:00 GMT