Women Honored with Congressional Gold Medal at U.S. Capitol
A group of women known as “Rosies” gathered at the U.S. Capitol for their Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony, captured in a photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.
The scene at a downtown Washington, D.C., hotel was filled with excitement as women in red and white polka-dotted attire, accompanied by caregivers, met in the lobby to finalize their plans for the day.
Rosie the Riveter, the iconic symbol of women who took on vital roles in factories and shipyards during World War II, was prominently displayed at a table, showcasing the significant contribution of these women to the war effort.
Unlike the famous recruitment poster showing Rosie with the caption “We Can Do It!”, the speech bubble above her head proudly declared, “We Did It!”
The Rosie the Riveters Gold Medal Celebration
The Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., proudly showcases an inspiring image of Rosie the Riveter.
Rachel Treisman/NPR
An empowering portrayal of Rosie the Riveter is exhibited at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.
“Today marks a significant occasion,” shares 98-year-old Jeanne Gibson, who, along with other women present, proudly wears a replica of her wartime ID badge — complete with photo, name, and location.
The Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to Rosie the Riveters
“Finally, after numerous attempts, the Rosies, including myself, will be honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor,” expressed one of the real-life Rosie the Riveters. Decades after their invaluable contributions during wartime, these women are being recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.
At a recent ceremony attended by twenty-seven Rosies from various parts of the country, K. Lynn Berry, the superintendent of the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, highlighted the significance of the event. The Rosie the Riveter Trust, a nonprofit organization, raised funds to facilitate the travel of these remarkable women.
Reflecting on the dedication of these women, Berry remarked, “It is truly remarkable that nearly 30 women in their 90s, some even as old as 106, are making the journey to Washington D.C. to accept this prestigious honor.” The trip itself became a joyous occasion for many of the Rosies, with a warm welcome including cheers and a water cannon salute upon their arrival in the nation’s capital.
During their flight from San Francisco, the Rosies were bid farewell by female mechanics and machinists donning Rosie headwear. Onboard the plane, the flight attendants paid tribute by wearing red headscarves and playing the iconic Rosie the Riveter song over the speakers, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere.
In Washington, D.C., upon arrival, the pilot assured, “No need to worry about the fire engines; it’s not a fire.” With a chuckle, she recounted, “You’re going to witness what they do for retiring pilots,” as they sprayed water on the plane unexpectedly. The experience was truly spectacular, and she expressed immense gratitude.
Sousa, who previously drafted blueprints at a Richmond shipyard and now volunteers at a historical park, mentioned that Rosies never anticipated recognition for their contributions. “It was a necessary job – fulfilled by women,” she emphasized. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “It’s incredibly fulfilling, although words fail me, despite being quite the talker.”
Velma Long, aged 106, served as a typist for the U.S. Navy during WWII. She expressed her honor in receiving an award after eight decades, focusing on the English language and the significance of the words “Rosie Riveters Gold Medal.”
The Significance of Rosie Riveters Gold Medal
Rosies and their supporters view Wednesday’s accolade as a long-awaited acknowledgment and part of ongoing efforts to preserve their narratives for future generations. This initiative gained momentum at the start of the 21st century with the establishment of a historical park in Richmond in 2000, a bustling WWII hub with over 55 industries that contributed to the construction of more than 740 ships.
The concept of a park commemorating the homefront’s history stemmed from various stakeholders, including the city, the National Park Service, and the Rosies themselves. Many of these individuals actively advocated, corresponded, and campaigned for recognition of their invaluable role in that historical period.
“Highlighting the significant role they played in the war, she emphasized the iconic status of their contributions. Their stories, intertwined with the city of Richmond’s historical resources, serve as a focal point for preservation.”
“During WWII, millions of women joined the workforce in American factories and shipyards to aid the war effort. These women, now referred to as ‘Rosies,’ symbolize the spirit of Rosie the Riveter.”
Image credit: Hugo Nadaner/National Park Service, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP.
### Phyllis Gould’s Impact on Rosie the Riveters’ Recognition
Phyllis Gould, a former welder in Richmond during WWII, played a pivotal role in advocating for the Rosie the Riveters and their acknowledgment. She actively engaged in developing the park and promoting the Rosies’ legacy by corresponding with various U.S. presidents. Notably, her efforts led to a special invitation from then-Vice President Joe Biden to a group of Rosies at the White House in 2014, initiated by Gould’s heartfelt request for a hug.
Following Gould’s passing at 99 in 2021, her advocacy partner, Mae Krier, continued their joint mission of lobbying Congress for the establishment of a federal Rosie the Riveter day. Although this initiative has not yet achieved federal holiday status, Congress has shown support by passing resolutions, notably declaring March 21 as the national Rosie the Riveter Day. This recognition signifies the enduring impact of Gould and Krier’s dedication to honoring the Rosie the Riveters’ contributions.
Advocating for Recognition: Rosie Riveters Gold Medal
Collaborating, the two individuals united to push for a Congressional medal honoring the Rosies. A bill was introduced by lawmakers to acknowledge Rosies for their significant contributions to the United States and the inspiration they have instilled in future generations. The bill successfully passed through the House in 2019 and the Senate in 2020. Subsequently, then-President Donald Trump signed it into law.
Prior to the ceremony, where she is an attendee, Krier, now 98, shared with member station WHYY that World War II had a profound impact on the lives of numerous Rosies, regardless of not being on the front lines.
“Although we were not directly engaged in combat, we were the ones constructing everything essential for our soldiers,” expressed Krier, who, at the age of 17, contributed to the production of bombers for Boeing in Seattle. “I strongly believed that our efforts deserved recognition for the crucial role we played.”
Women’s Army Corps Training School: The Johnson Sisters
Sisters Ruth, Jean, Lois, and Leona Johnson are captured in an undated photo at the Women’s Army Corps training school.
National Park Service, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP
The Johnson sisters at the Women’s Army Corps training school.
For many Rosies, their work during WWII was not just a contribution to the war effort but also a journey of self-growth and empowerment. According to Berry, they often reflect on realizing their capabilities and breaking gender norms. They proved to themselves that they could succeed in unfamiliar roles traditionally reserved for men, boosting their confidence for future challenges.
One such Rosie was Gibson, who, at 17 during the war outbreak, ventured from Minnesota to Seattle with her friend Esther. She embraced a welding role at Todd Pacific Shipyards, exemplifying the resilience and determination of the Rosie Riveters.
Women Welders of the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska
Recalling her time at the Army Transportation Corps’ Embarkation Center in Juneau, Alaska, Jeanne Gibson, 98, reminisces about her days working on destroyers. To combat the cold during late-night shifts, she layered pajamas under her jeans. Equipped with protective face shields and braids to secure their hair, the women welders navigated tight spaces and labored for extended hours.
Despite the challenging conditions, Gibson found the work “exhilarating.” However, she humbly noted that the women in her position did not view their roles as extraordinary during that era. “I mean, everybody was doing something, and this was it,” she reflected.
Among the group of nearly 30 “Rosies” honored with a gold medal in Washington, D.C., Gibson stands out for her contributions. Apart from her welding duties in Seattle, she also lent her skills to the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau.
The Story of Rosie Riveters Receiving the Gold Medal
One of the nearly 30 “Rosies,” Jeanne Gibson, aged 98, journeyed to Washington, D.C., to be honored with the gold medal. During the war, she worked as a welder in Seattle and for the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau.
After the war, many women, including Gibson, were displaced from their jobs as men returned. She relocated to California, where she began working for an insurance company. However, she resigned upon discovering a male file clerk was earning $5 more monthly than her.
Transitioning to a bookkeeping role, Gibson excelled and swiftly climbed the ranks. Yet, when inquiring about advancement, her boss implied that marriage and motherhood were her only future. Unsettled by this limitation, Gibson pursued education, obtaining her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in teaching.
With a teaching career spanning three decades, Gibson fondly recalled impacting countless students. Alongside her teaching profession, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining a private pilot’s license and becoming a member of the Ninety-Nines, an International Organization of Women Pilots.
The Impact of Rosie the Riveters: Honoring Their Legacy
Living in close proximity to the Richmond site and occasionally visiting, Gibson never identified herself as a Rosie until a recent encounter with a friend’s daughter who recognized her as one. Engaging with the park, she now dedicates her time to participating in weekly “Rosie Fridays,” where her primary focus lies in imparting a crucial message to younger women regarding the significance of equal pay.
“During wartime, the United States underwent a transformation… everyone united towards a common goal, devoid of the discord prevalent in today’s society,” she reflects. “This unity was vital in understanding the defense of our democracy. Perhaps, I am conveying to them that they too have the power to effect change.”
Berry concurs that the long-awaited recognition on Wednesday is not merely a tribute to the pivotal role Rosies played in bolstering the war effort and reshaping the industrial workforce landscape.
“Moreover, they symbolize the essence of stepping up and taking action when the situation demands it,” she emphasized. “They can serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us to contemplate the current needs of our time and to respond with action wherever possible.”
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