Ada Reporter

Congressman Russ Fulcher and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to authorize the National Mall as the site for a memorial honoring women who worked on the home front during World War II. The proposed legislation, known as the World War II Women’s Memorial Location Act, follows a 2022 congressional approval to establish the memorial using private funds.

The bill seeks to honor over 18 million women, famously known as Rosie the Riveters, who contributed significantly to wartime efforts by working in various roles such as riveters, pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, and code breakers. Current law requires an act of Congress to place a commemorative work on the National Mall.

"During World War II, millions of American women answered the call to serve our nation by holding down our home front," said Congressman Fulcher. He highlighted how women in Idaho managed farms and factories to support the war effort. "I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to honor their service."

Congresswoman Dingell remarked on the impact these women had on redefining gender roles in America: "Our Rosies answered the call when our nation needed them most." She emphasized that this bill would help ensure these women's contributions are recognized appropriately.

Raya Kenney, CEO and Founder of WWII Women’s Memorial Foundation, stressed the importance of honoring these women on the National Mall: "The unwavering courage and determination of these women... undeniably deserve to be honored." Kenney called for swift legislative action so that surviving Rosies can witness their memorial's completion.

The introduction of this legislation is seen as a crucial step toward preserving the legacy of these women who played a pivotal role during WWII.