Barbara Boxer: “the famous poster of ``Rosie the Riveter,'' created by J. Howard Miller in 1943, was quite well known throughout America…”

“the famous poster of ``Rosie the Riveter,'' created by J. Howard Miller in 1943, was quite well known throughout America during World War II. The slogan on the poster--``WE CAN DO IT!''--captured the spirit and dedication of our Nation's women during World War II. ``Rosie the Riveter'' became a nickname for the women who entered the workforce during the war. World War II profoundly changed the role and status of American women. During this war, over 6 million women joined the workforce, filling jobs that had been traditionally held by men. For the first time in history, women in large numbers worked to produce ships, planes, tanks, trucks, guns and ammunition that were essential to the war effort. They worked in factories while raising their kids--often by themselves as their husbands were fighting abroad. In California, women worked in factories across the state, from the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach to the Ford Assembly plant in Richmond, CA. These women's contributions on the homefront were invaluable to our nation's victory in World War II. As we approach Memorial Day--and the dedication of the World War II Memorial--I want to express my gratitude to our Nation's ``Rosies'' for their effort in helping America win the war.”