Dem
51
GOP
49
This item is timely, on a personal level, for (Z) because this week would have been his grandmother's 102nd birthday. During World War II, she worked as a riveter, building airplanes in Connecticut. And not only did she and the other "Rosies" have to do the same work as the men, they had to do it fast, fast, fast, as planes and tanks and bombs and guns were needed in almost endless supplies for the war effort.
(Z)'s grandmother, whose name was Jean Stewart, did not live to participate in the festivities that took place in Washington, DC, this week (and that were brought to our attention by reader J.B. in Fort Kent, ME), but she would have been there if she could have been. In short, thanks to a legitimately bipartisan effort, the women who helped win the war by picking up the slack in America's factories were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States' highest civilian honor.
For the ceremony, the organizers managed to find 27 living Rosies, ranging in age from mid-90s to 106, who were able to attend in person. Jeanne Gibson, who is 98, gave a brief acceptance speech on behalf of the group. It's only about 3 minutes if you'd care to watch it:
For someone who's just a hop, skip and a jump from the century mark, she did a heck of a job. She ended her remarks by reminding the women in the audience that no matter what challenge may arise, "We can do it!" She did not specify what specific modern-day women's issue she might have in mind, but we have a pretty good guess.
In any event, a tip of the cap to all of the nation's Rosies, those who are still with us, and those who have gone. And as to the recognition from the government, it's about damn time. Have a good weekend, all! (Z)