House Resolution No. 17
(By Delegates Brown, Anderson, Andes, Ashley, Azinger, Barker, Beach, Boggs, Butcher,
Campbell, Cann, Canterbury, Cowles, Craig, Crosier, Duke, Eldridge, Ellem, Ennis, Ferro,
Fleischauer, Givens, Guthrie, Hall, Hamilton, Hartman, Hunt, Iaquinta, Ireland, Klempa,
Kominar, Lane, Lawrence, Longstreth, Louisos, Manchin, Manypenny, Marshall, Martin,
Michael, Miley, C. Miller, J. Miller, Moore, Morgan, Moye, Overington, Paxton, Perdue, Perry,
Pethtel, Phillips, D. Poling, M. Poling, Poore, Reynolds, Rodighiero, Ross, Rowan, Schadler,
Shaver, Shott, Smith, Sobonya, Spencer, Staggers, Stephens, Stowers, Sumner, Susman,
Swartzmiller, Talbott, D. Walker, T. Walker, Wells, White and Williams)
Recognizing the contributions of West Virginia women who served their nation as Women
Ordinance Workers during World War II.
Whereas, During World War II with most of America's men serving in the armed forces
of our nation 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. They worked on assembly lines in
our nation's industries as riveters, welders and machinists. They served as health care personnel and
also laboratory personnel. They were also record keepers, writers and bookkeepers; and
Whereas, The Women Ordinance Workers, later nicknamed "Rosie the Riveters", were
dedicated patriotic women who were performing the carrying 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 even 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; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House hereby recognizes the contributions of West Virginia women who served
their nation during World War II as Women Ordinance Workers, also known as "Rosie the Riveters"
by keeping the nations industrial manufacturing capabilities operation; and be it
Further Resolved, That the House extends its sincere appreciation to all West Virginia
women who unselfishly served their nation by keeping nation's industrial production lines
functioning during World War II; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the
appropriate representatives of Thanks! Plain and Simple, Inc.