The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF JEAN ZARANKO
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HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jean Zaranko on the occasion of her 95th birthday. Mrs. Zaranko was born on June 10, 1926. She was raised in Taylor Township, Michigan. She completed school up to 8th grade and then worked as an elevator operator at the Griswold Building in Downtown Detroit but felt like she needed to do something more for her country during World War II.
At the age of 17 she altered her birth certificate in order to join the war effort at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti Township. Jean was originally hired as a welder but became a riveter, working on the center wing of the B-24 and sometimes slipping notes into the wings for servicemembers to find. As a Rosie the Riveter, Jean's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of working women.
She came to meet her first husband Moscow Lambert after a man at a bus stop at Willow Run had broken his glasses and asked for assistance in writing to his son who was serving overseas. This began a two-year affair, constantly exchanging calls and letters until they finally met one day at the Train Depot in Detroit where he proposed to her that day. Together, they had four sons and were married for nine years before Moscow passed away due to an accident at the steel plant where he worked. She later married Mr. Zaranko and they were together for 52 years.
A proud Rosie, even now she has remained an active member of our community. She feels that she is here to give her time and efforts to others when they need it and is God's tool to help others. Her lifelong commitment to service reminds us all of the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and nation.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Jean Zaranko on her 95th birthday. I join with her family, including twenty grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren, and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 49
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