Fitzpatrick Honors PA-1 Women Who Served During WWII at Local Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Langhorne, PA - This weekend, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick proudly hosted a historic Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the extraordinary women of Bucks and Montgomery Counties who stepped forward as Rosie the Riveters during World War II. This event not only recognized their invaluable contributions that helped win the war, but also celebrated their enduring legacy as trailblazers for women's empowerment and equality.

Among the honored guests were four living Rosies: Rita Colella (102-years-old), Dorothy Trate (102-years-old), Michaeline "Mickey" Kryven (97-years-old), and internationally known Rosie advocate, Mae Krier (98-years-old). The families of the following fifteen Bucks and Montgomery County Rosies who have since passed were also in attendance:

• Pauline Biedka (Deceased 9/16/2024)
• Angela Calabrese (Deceased 3/4/2004)
• Virginia Cocci DiMaggio (Deceased 12/13/2020)
• Sarah Eglinger (Deceased 1/4/1982)
• Marion G. Gelb (Deceased5/15/2018)
• Eunice Pearl Heath (Deceased 1/7/2024)
• Beverly Jean O'Bradovic (Deceased 11/30/2022)
• Angelina Romello (Deceased 8/27/2020)
• Barbara Roth (Deceased 12/16/2023)
• Alice K. Schafer (Deceased 11/22/2022)
• Mary Schaefer Simmons (Deceased 1/14/1996)
• Ann Meredith Smith (Deceased 4/2/2004)
• Eleanor Sladko Stern (Deceased 4/19/1983)
• Rose Magari Sutor (Deceased 9/28/2019)
• Doris Wiley McNichol (Deceased 1/11/1968)

Each family received a Congressional Gold Medal, a citation, and an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, recognizing the profound impact these extraordinary women made on our nation.

(Congressman Fitzpatrick and the family of Bucks County Rosie Eunice Pearl Heath)

"It was an honor to attend Congressman Fitzpatrick's Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on behalf of my late grandmother, the incredible and beautiful Virginia DiMaggio. The stories she shared about her days working at Kaiser-Fleetwings in Bristol Borough during WWII painted a picture of resilience, strength, and dedication, and I know my Nan was beaming with pride and joy from heaven on receiving this well-deserved recognition. Though I wish she were here to accept this remarkable honor, I am grateful Rep. Fitzpatrick gave us the opportunity to celebrate her legacy in such a meaningful way," said Erika Bennett, granddaughter of the late Rosie Virginia DiMaggio.

"The Heath Family is sincerely humbled and honored to receive the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of Eunice Pearl Heath, a munitions factory Rosie and one of approximately 600,000 African American "Rosie the Riveters." We are truly grateful to our U.S. Representative, Brian Fitzpatrick, and the bipartisan collaborators who ensured the recognition of America's greatest asset and hidden treasure: the "Rosie the Riveters." We hope that the "We Can Do It" spirit, emblematic of the World War II Rosies, inspires a legacy of commitment, courage, and morality for our future generations and leaders as well," said Dr. Cheryl D. Heath-Johnson & the family of the late Rosie Eunice Pearl Heath.

"It was a great moment to attend the ceremony recognizing the contributions of the Bucks County women who helped to win World War II. My mother-in-law was very proud to have received this honor. Thank you, Congressman Fitzpatrick, for having made this possible," said Jean Colella, daughter-in-law of 102-year-old Rosie Rita Colella.

"It was a truly wonderful event and very heartening that this was organized to show appreciation to these women. It brought tears to my eyes, and it was very touching. I know my mom was tickled about being honored that way," said Phyllis Kryven, daughter of 97-year-oldRosie Michaeline "Mickey" Kryven.

(8-year-old Layla Leuthy Peck of Newtown & 10-year-old Tabitha "Tabby" Wildermann of Levittown with 102-year-old Rosie the Riveter Dorothy Trate. Both young girls dressed the part to meet their "icons and heroes".)

The ceremony featured a line-up of esteemed speakers and attendees, including Former Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard Major General (Retired) Dr. Linda Singh, Bucks County Historical Society CEO Kyle McCoy, United States Army Master Sergeant (Retired) Chaplain Chuck Arnold VFW Post 6393, Commander of the 111^th Attack Wing, PA Air National Guard Colonel Lynn M. Lee, 56^th Striker Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 111th Attack Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and United States Army Veteran Specialist Tiffany McKeaney.

"It was profoundly moving to witness the recognition of these trailblazing women. The Rosies exemplify the strength and determination that can move mountains when we collaborate and support one another. Their legacy is a beacon that continues to guide us in championing the rights and opportunities of all women in the workforce. This recognition serves as a vivid reminder of the power of unity and the incredible feats we can achieve together," said Former Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard Major General (Retired) Dr. Linda Singh.

"As historians look back upon this time, we realize that Rosie's impact extended far beyond WWII. She inspired a cultural shift challenging stereotypes of womens' abilities, which opened doors for future generations of women. The legacy of Rosie the Riveter is evident in the women who followed in her footsteps. I am thankful to be one of those women who benefitted from the trail that Rosies blazed, and it was a privilege to take part in this once in a lifetime event. Thank you to Congressman Fitzpatrick for making this long-overdue recognition possible for the remarkable women of Bucks County and all across America," said President/CEO Bucks County Historical Society Kyle McCoy.

(Former Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard Major General Dr. Linda Singh & Bucks County Historical Society CEO Kyle McCoy)

(Mae Krier)

Fitzpatrick's historic bipartisan and bicameral legislation, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act, signed into law on December 4^th, 2020, honors the six million American women who joined the workforce and volunteered to support the war effort. This legislation not only pays tribute to these trailblazers but also acknowledges the critical role women have played in throughout history.

This April, Fitzpatrick was joined by Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other members of Congress in the US Capitol for the official unveiling and presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, accepted by Bucks County's own Mae Krier, on behalf of all the Rosies who served our nation. Mae and Fitzpatrick have long been friends and partners in their efforts to honor the remarkable Rosies, and she was instrumental in the efforts to gain support for Fitzpatrick's legislation.

Remarking on the significance of Fitzpatrick's initiative, Mae Krier stated: "I truly appreciate everything Brian has done for me and my fellow Rosies. He has been with me right from the beginning."

Following the unveiling ceremony, Fitzpatrick was determined to ensure the remarkable Bucks and Montgomery County women who served as Rosies, as well as their families, received the recognition they deserve, and the opportunity to be honored for their service and legacy.

(Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick & International Rosie Icon Mae Krier)

Fitzpatrick also recently secured another historic Congressional Gold Medal to honor Billie Jean King for her lifetime of advocacy and leadership in the pursuit of equality. His bipartisan, bicameral legislation was signed into law on September 26^th, 2024.

(Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick & Bucks County Rosie the Riveters: Michaeline "Mickey" Kryven, Rita Colella, Mae Krier, and Dorothy Trate)

During his remarks, Fitzpatrick noted: "To this day, the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter conjures a feeling of immense pride, patriotism, and courage. The real Rosies were our neighbors, our friends, and our family members-women from right here in Bucks and Montgomery counties, some of whom we are fortunate enough to have amongst us today.

He continued, "They rolled up their sleeves and took on the monumental task of building the very machinery that would defend the cause of freedom and democracy. It was in our factories, like Kaiser Fleetwing in Bristol Borough, that these women-our mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers-worked tirelessly to ensure our soldiers had the tools they needed to defeat tyranny. They weren't just building planes or assembling parts, they were building the future of freedom, safeguarding the American way of life for generations to come. Their work laid the foundation for the America we cherish today-a land where liberty thrives, and the ideals of democracy reign supreme."

Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of recognizing these remarkable women: "As we reflect on the legacy of the remarkable women of our community, let us remember that their courage didn't just build machinery and planes-it built hope. Their very hands forged the wings of freedom that carried us through the war, and their spirit continues to lift us today. Their efforts ensured that the torch of liberty would continue to burn bright, and their example inspires us to meet the challenges of our own time with the same resolve, determination, and love of country. We owe them a debt we can never fully repay. So today, and always, let us stand united in our gratitude, honoring the incredible courage, patriotism, and sacrifice of our Rosies."

Background:

The Congressional Gold Medal, America's highest civilian honor, has been awarded to only 185 people, events, or institutions throughout the nation's history. Between 1940 and 1945, women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, with the percentage of women in the workforce jumping from 27% to nearly 37%. These women-riveters, welders, nurses, and many more-were crucial in meeting the ever-growing demand for war materials, and their contributions both on the home front and in hospitals and schools laid the groundwork for the future of gender equality in the workplace.

The event was not only a commemoration of history but also a reminder that the sacrifices of these extraordinary women continue to shape our nation today. Their service, their courage, and their unyielding spirit will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of American perseverance and resilience.

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