WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the World War II Women’s Memorial Location Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation to place a memorial honoring women’s contributions to World War II on the National Mall in the nation’s capital. Companion legislation to designate a memorial commemorating the women who worked on the home front to support the efforts of the United States military was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho). 

“Over 18 million women served on the home front during World War II, playing a key role in American history. They helped support their country while inspiring future generations of women to join the workforce,” said Senator Blackburn. “A memorial honoring the sacrifice and service of these women should be placed on the National Mall as a powerful reminder of their legacy in fighting for freedom and building the equipment needed by America’s troops during World War II.” 

“The monuments and memorials displayed in Washington tell America’s story,” said Senator Shaheen. “The invaluable contributions of ‘Rosie the Riveters’ during World War II are measured not only by the countless American lives they helped save, but also by the generations of women they inspired to serve our nation. Our bipartisan legislation designates a permanent home to memorialize the brave women who worked on the home front during the second world war.” 

“It’s long past time we memorialize the contributions hardworking women made during World War II beside all the other historic memorials on the National Mall,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our legislation was signed into law to establish a memorial in D.C. to honor the millions of women who rolled up their sleeves and took whatever job was necessary to help move our country forward during World War II. Now, Congress must pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure this memorial is rightfully placed on the National Mall where their legacy can be remembered and preserved prominently for generations to come.” 

More than 18 million women answered the call to hold down the home front by working as pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, code breakers and more during World War II.   

In 2022, Congress passed bipartisan legislation authorizing the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC to commemorate the service and sacrifice of these women to the United States. The legislation introduced by Blackburn, Shaheen, and Duckworth would authorize the location of the memorial to be on the National Mall so that it can be built within walking distance of the World War II Memorial.