Congress honors real-life Rosie the Riveters

These American women reshaped the work force during World War II

"Rosies" pose for a photo at the U.S. Capitol before their Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony
"Up until 1941, it was a man's world"
(Image credit: Getty Images)

What happened

Lawmakers on Wednesday awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor from Congress, to real-life Rosie the Riveters, the roughly 6 million women who went to work during World War II. Twenty-seven "Rosies" flew to Washington for the ceremony.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.