We will be introducing a resolution designating March 21, 2026, as “Rosie the Riveter Day” in Pennsylvania to honor the millions of women who joined the workforce to support our country during World War II. These American women, many of whom lived and worked in our Commonwealth, built necessary equipment for the U.S. military, volunteered to join the Armed Services, and inspired generations of women with their strength, sacrifice, and patriotism.
 
“Rosie the Riveter” became a symbol for female patriotism and work ethic throughout the country. During the war, thousands of these women worked here in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s women built ships at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, worked steel mills in the Mon Valley, assembled thousands of anti-aircraft guns in York, built Mack trucks in Allentown, repaired airplanes in Middletown at the Harrisburg Shops, and processed ammunition, including hand grenades and bombs, at Franklin County’s Letterkenny Ordnance Depot. Our Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to these powerful women.


In 2017, the US Congress passed a resolution to mark March 21st as National Rosie the Riveter Day.
 
In 2020, Congress showed its appreciation for these women and their accomplishments by awarding “Rosie the Riveter” with a Congressional Gold Medal. The honor collectively awards the Congressional Gold Medal to all women, some as young as 16 or 17, who entered the workforce and aided in the war efforts during World War II. The awards ceremony was finally able to be held in April 2024 and our Commonwealth’s own Mae Krier, an original “Rosie”, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all of the Rosie’s.[1]
 
Additionally, our resolution will honor Mae Krier for her years of work on behalf of all of the Rosie’s in advocating for the Congressional Gold Medal, and also celebrate her 100th Birthday on March 21, 2026.
 
I ask that you please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution to honor these incredible women and their contributions by designating March 21, 2026, as “Rosie the Riveter Day” in Pennsylvania.

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[1] Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal | Rosie the Riveter