SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44

(By Senators Walters, Beach, Stollings, Prezioso, Williams and Plymale)

Recognizing the contributions of West Virginia women who served their nation as “Rosie the Riveters” during World War II.

            Whereas, During World War II, with most of America’s men serving in the armed forces on battlefields around the globe, millions of women around the nation rallied to the call to help keep our nation’s industrial productivity operational; and

            Whereas, These women, officially called “Women Ordinance Workers”, filled the industrial void to produce such products as airplanes, ships and vehicles; and

            Whereas, Women Ordinance Workers worked on assembly lines in our nation’s industries as riveters, welders and machinists served as health care and laboratory personnel, and also as record keepers, writers and bookkeepers; and

            Whereas, The Women Ordinance Workers, later nicknamed “Rosie the Riveters”, were dedicated, patriotic women who were performing many tasks considered as men’s work as their husbands, brothers and sons served in the armed forces and battled the enemy on foreign soil; and

            Whereas, Many women from West Virginia are documented to have worked not only in their home state, but were deployed to other parts of the nation; and

            Whereas, As these women rallied to the call of a nation at war, they did so at a great personal sacrifice, many leaving their children with family members at a time when communications around the nation were limited; and

            Whereas, While popular songs and movies have immortalized their actions, they remain unrecognized heroes for their efforts in helping to gain victory and maintain freedom around the world; and

            Whereas, Many communities in West Virginia welcomed these women and are beginning to recognize their efforts. The city of St. Albans has been the first to designate their community as a “Rosie the Riveters Community” in tribute to the service of Women Ordinance Workers; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes the contributions of West Virginia women who served their nation as “Rosie the Riveters” during World War II.; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere appreciation to all West Virginia women who unselfishly served their nation by keeping the nation’s industrial production lines functioning during World War II; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of “Rosie the Riveters”.